Collections Ninja | Simplifying AR | Turning CPG Invoices into Cash Flow

At Collections Ninja, we redefine the way high-growth CPG brands manage their Accounts Receivables. 

Our mission is to convert your invoices into a robust cash flow, fueling the growth and success of your brand. 

We are not just advisors; we are partners in your journey, committed to safeguarding your financial health and amplifying your potential.

Welcome to Collections Ninja, where we blend financial expertise with a passion for CPG brands. 

Our team, led by Raffy Garcia, is dedicated to transforming the Accounts Receivables process, turning a routine financial function into a strategic asset.

We specialize in optimizing AR processes, safeguarding against losses, and ensuring that invoices translate into tangible cash flow. 

Our approach is tailored to each brand's unique needs, ensuring solutions that are not only effective but also resonate with your company's vision and mission.

Our values of support, integrity, and perseverance are at the core of everything we do. 

We engage with CPG founders as more than service providers; we are loyal customers, advocates, and partners in your growth. Connect with us to explore how we can turn your financial challenges into opportunities for success.

As the Founder and Chief Advisor at Collections Ninja, I provide strategic guidance and expert advice in transforming Accounts Receivables for Leaders in high-growth CPG brands.

Founder & Chief Advisor

~Pourri

Revolutionizing Pourri's Financial Landscape: $9.4M Recovered and Over 90 Days Past Due Reduced to Under 5%!

Introduction:
Our eight-month journey with Pourri marked a true financial transformation. We overcame challenges, achieved monumental results, and empowered their AR team for lasting success. Here are the biggest wins:

Biggest Wins:

    1. Massive Recovery: Closed invoices totaling $9.4 million, constituting a staggering 92.44% of total AR.
    2. Over 90 Days Past Due Triumph: Reduced from 21% to under 5%, saving potential losses.
    3. Doubled Cash Flow: Achieved by doubling the average weekly AR Aging.
   4.  Empowered Team: AR team is now well-prepared to maintain the progress and drive consistent cash flow.
    5. Billing Precision: Addressed billing and invoicing errors for long-term stability.

This partnership exemplifies the power of effective AR management, showcasing how collaboration can drive transformative results. 

Pourri is now primed for continued success in their AR operations. 💼📊

Case Study: Transforming Accounts Receivable for Pourri

Kitsch

Beyond Boundaries: Kitsch's Accounts Receivables Revolution – Learn How I Skyrocketed Collections and Banished Past-Due AR Blues!

As an AR Collections & Clean Up Consultant, I've successfully collaborated with clients like Kitsch. 

During this time, I spearheaded the restructuring of their Accounts Receivables Department, implementing standardized processes, improving collection rates, reducing past-due AR, and enhancing AR aging balances. 

My expertise extends to managing AR for E-commerce businesses, reconciling customer names across systems, and training teams for more efficient AR management. 

With a proven track record, I can bring these accomplishments and skills to benefit your business as well.

Restructured and rebuilt the Account Receivables Department. 

Created SOPs for new processes, the standardized Cash application process, and proper remittance backup and storage management.

Oversight and focused on AR Collections and multi-year-old past due open invoice cleanup. 

Developed and created internal controls within AR and EOM closing and reporting.

Increased Collections rates and decreased past-due open AR across all accounts.

AR Customer Name management and reconciliation across two separate systems.

Oversight and management of Cash application for E-commerce Faire.com businesses.

It increased AR Aging Balances to over 75% current from a low 50% in under six months.

Decreased Past Due AR over 60 days and greater to below 10%

Transitioned team members and crossed trained them to more efficient AR management & collections standards.

Oversight over Faire.com Billing & ALL AR customer Billing for accurate Monthly revenue reporting and recording.

Manganed Invoice Creation and revenue billing for E-commerce businesses.

Cash Boost: Kitsch's AR Transformation Unveiled!

Speedo

As the Accounts Receivable (AR) Collections Supervisor, I am part of the regional Finance structure in North America. In addition to serving as a primary contact to our customer base for all cash collections in the US and Canada, I play a part in setting up the function of SAP operating procedures. 

l am “hands-on” at both operational and business levels, with a shrewd focus on understanding and explaining the story behind the customer’s open debt with a focus on converting sales to cash.

HOW I MAKE A LONG TERM IMPACT:
•	Full ownership of the AR ledger to optimize the sales to cash conversion for our brands within North America
•	Lead team of 3 collection Specialists 
•	Responsible for monitoring and maintaining assigned accounts – customer calls, reconciliations, prepayments and if necessary, assisting clients with discrepancies and resolving short payments
•	Collection calls and/or correspondence (emails) in a fast-paced goal orientated collections department
•	Providing customer service regarding credit & collection issues, process credit cards, refunds if necessary, submit and review account adjustments
•	Accountable for maintaining aged debt targets at or above our target
•	Enlist the efforts of sales when necessary to accelerate the collection process
•	Ensure all invoices are properly transmitted to customers (virtual mailroom, customer portal or print to post)
•	Support in opening new customer accounts
•	Processing Credit Card Payments
•	Assist in month-end close duties (e.g., bad debt & charge-back reporting, month end aging with comments)
•	Daily run of the credit hold report – release credit worthy customers and send out reporting to brand managers to be reviewed
•	Weekly and Monthly Reporting of collection and credit issues to the wider business 
•	Support in reviewing the B2B forward order book report on a quarterly basis to address potential credit issues

AR Collections Supervisor

Cremo Company

During my tenure at Cremo Company, overseeing Accounts Receivable Team operations, we addressed key financial challenges:

Challenges:
Cremo faced overdue accounts receivable, inefficient billing, and cash flow issues. My role aimed to optimize AR operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:
My multifaceted responsibilities included:

    Team Leadership: Guiding daily AR Team activities aligned with our objectives.
    Financial Forecasting: Ensuring accurate cash flow through daily AR cash forecasts.
    Reporting Excellence: Producing vital reports, disseminated to Sales, Finance, and Operations Teams.
    Collections Mastery: Overseeing collections, cash application, and account reconciliation.
    Chargeback & Bad Debt Management: Minimizing financial losses by managing chargebacks and bad debt.
    Process Optimization: Implementing efficient process improvements across AR operations.
    Collaboration: Ensuring billing accuracy and revenue recognition through close collaboration with the Operations Team.
    Account Analysis: Conducting comprehensive account analyses for AR, bad debt, and open AR credits.
    Policy & Procedure Development: Creating and maintaining department policies and procedures for compliance.
    ERP System Enhancement: Identifying and implementing efficiency opportunities within the ERP system.
    Financial Auditing: Completing required AR audits and supporting Controller in financial audits.
    Controls & Compliance: Developing and maintaining company controls and ensuring financial compliance.

Results:
Our collaborative efforts delivered:

    Reduced outstanding AR, enhancing cash flow.
    Minimized chargebacks and bad debt, preserving stability.
    Improved process efficiency and accuracy, reducing operational costs.
    Strengthened compliance and controls, mitigating financial risks.
    Streamlined financial reporting, providing critical insights.
    Enhanced cross-functional collaboration, fostering shared responsibility.

 Case Study: Optimizing Accounts Receivable As the AR Supervisor

-Key team member in Collections of one key account: Past Due AR Aging of $1.1MM down to $94K in under 4 months
-Key team member in collections with one of our top accounts: researched, compiled, analyzed, sorted remittance detail with thousands of data rows
-Payment of over $900K received was tasked with cash application and disbursement of funds across several hundred partially open invoices

-Collections Overall: Cleaned up several accounts with AR Aging dating back to 2017, 2018, was successful in collecting and resolving partially paid invoices

-Ownership of Key accounts from an AR Collections to Disputes cycle - Matching Tradespend and payments with proper backup documentation through several portals and formats.
-Build and Manage AR Directory
-Clean up of Accounts: Researched and validated Partially and 100% open Outstanding AR, created  Credit Memos (CM) to clean up partially open invoices that had valid deductions and trade spend related chargebacks, previously not cleared and applied

-Collections with OPS/Billers: working with Ops to get contacts and EDI invoices for collections that resulted in us collecting on our receivables
-Increased check deposits from once a week to twice a week, getting paid faster.
-Decrease DSO
-Daily posting of payments from customers along with the new process for Payment Application and CM creation and Process Flow
-Compiled list of customers that we are ready to start changing to ACH project
-Updating Remittance Address for all customers to HQ streamlining this process
-AR/Ops working together – making sure EDI invoices are showing up in Customer’s Portal for Timely Payments
-Researching OTIF/Compliance & Shorts/ filing claims, creating processes and finding efficiencies within current customers under my care
-Assist with Company and bank Audits
-Setting up new SOPs for current tasks and obligations 
-Weekly Reporting of Sales & related business standing reports

AR Collections Specialist 

Sambazon

In charge of managing and reconciling key account deductions and bring them to a resolution. Also, hands-on with all collections and keeping accounts to current balances. I ensure DSO for the company improves over time and implement the proper procedures to help run the department efficiently and with a high level of customer satisfaction. I have the primary responsibility for the management of receivables for Sambazon.
 
Key Responsibilities:
• A/R Collections related to all Natural Channel accounts, and other key accounts, as assigned.
•Processing of all cash receipts sent to Sambazon's Lockbox via check, wire, and ACH, as well as processing of cash and credit card payments, and the periodic deposits made direct to our local branch.
•Analysis and validation of chargebacks from assigned customers, and application of their corresponding credit memos into SAP system. On occasion, will require refuting of invalid deductions.
•Verify the credit history of new customer accounts, and enter new accounts into SAP.
•Work closely with Operations staff, as necessary, to obtain POD documentation; resolve any invoicing issues related to assigned customers; and to cut off shipments to non-paying accounts, when applicable, upon approval by A/R Manager.

Deduction Management:
•Managing and reconciling open chargebacks/disputes/short payments on accounts receivable 
•Resolving customer disputed deductions pertaining to pricing, bill backs, damages/shortages claims, etc. 
•Full understanding of customer’s and company’s operations (i.e. customer’s portals, company’s process/procedure etc.) to efficiently resolve authorize or un-authorize deductions 
•Following credit memo coding guidance to record proper account on credit 
•Work closely with Customer Service and Sales to set up new customers, credit limits, and ensure proper finance documentation loaded into the system 
•Proactively manage credit holds, and communicate effectively with Customer Service, Sales, and Customers

Accounts Receivable Specialist

As the Accounts Receivable Clerk I have primary responsibility over the monitoring and processing of collections, deposits, and deductions for key customers that Sambazon conducts business with.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
•	Collections and processing of payments from key customers in SAP. Includes, but not limited to, the negotiation of payment schedules when necessary.
•	Analysis and validation of chargebacks from key customers. On occasion, will require refuting of invalid deductions.
•	Conduct customer credit checks
•	Monthly AR related reports
•	Perform other duties as needed or directed by AR Manager.

-  key team member in maintaning our Natural Trade Spend Report for deduction validation and Monthly Trade Spending Reporting to Sales Directors, along with the Marketing Department and Head of Sales Team

- Natural Trade Spend Report cut our Deduction validation process from 3-4 hours down to 1 hour
- Natural Trade Spend Report is an ever growing Excel database Based reporting system, built from scratch consisting of (formulas, functions, and pivot tables) very comfortable working with Excel
- Key Natural Channel Accounts were cleared and brought up to date in Outstanding open Invoices by validating and clearing $300k+ in open deductions that were pending verification  

- Full ownership for payment processing and application to customer accounts received via LB,ACH, Wire transfers to all company customers.

- Analyzed and processed request for trade references and credit checks for new customer setups and payment terms, very comfortable evaluating credit worthiness of potential new customers 

-Maintained Customer Database in the ERP System along with setting up new customers

- Responsible for Cash Applications the complete cycle of payments and deduction validation for Key Accounts in our Natural Channel of business.

- Helped Streamlined and make more efficient our Deduction process in terms of organization and easy access to backup when needed

Accounts Receivable Clerk

As the Trade Shipping Coordinator I was accountable for handling and managing the shipping of company materials and products to the Sambazon Sales & Marketing team, Coordinate Trade events, setup and delivery of  as well as all consumer orders taken over the internet or phone in accordance with the guidelines, policies and procedures outlined by the company.


•	Meet/exceed internal and external customer expectations for shipments of company materials (samples, POS, etc) and company products to internet and phone customers.
•	Create the Monthly Internet Sales Report for Hector to Process and Invoice correctly
•	Process Sales Samples & POS Resquests in SAP for Cost Consumption
•	Actively look for Better Rates on Shipping Supplies: Uline,Delta Styrofoam Boxes 
•	Help The Warehouse Manager unloading product for warehouse placement
•	Manage and Ship Amazon.com Orders, Create PDF Files for East & West Coast Shipping
•	Update Both Internet and Amazon Tracking numbers
•	Process Consumer Shipments
o	Process order data into process spreadsheet
o	Internet & Phone order fulfillment – package shipments
o	Coordinate and prepare East Coast orders
o	Print Packing list
o	Provide tracking information to customers
o	Shopping Cart Reconcile process
o	Credit Card processing/Refunds/cancellations
•	Process Internal Sales/Promotional/Marketing Shipments
o	Process and the Fulfillment of all POS requests
o	Prepare, pack and ship Sales/Marketing Kits and Packages – POS, New Store, Broker, Direct Sales, PR and Demo kits
o	Fulfillment of products as samples to various sales/industry persons
•	Respond/Resolve customer service shipping issues on a timely basis (within 24 hours) via the phone or e-mail.
•	Process returns within company guidelines.
•	Provide International shipping quotes – assuring that customer is responsible for any and all importation fees or duties.
o	Provide shipping quotes
o	Prepare invoices and other required shipping documents
o	Coordinate shipment pick-up

Promoted: - Trade Shipping Coordinator

As the Shipping Coordinator I was accountable for handling and managing the shipping of company materials and products to the Sambazon Sales & Marketing team as well as all consumer orders taken over the internet or phone in accordance with the guidelines, policies and procedures outlined by the company.

- Grew revenue from our PayPal international customers by $10297
- Increased conversion of international product quotes to 8 out of 10 converting into sales
- Increased international customer Retention and reorders resulting in $4327 in additional sales
- Key member in team for reducing shipping supply cost by $2358 yearly
- Increased our Address verification & shipping Accuracy by 4% to 99% accurate deliveries
- 99% shipping accuracy resulting in $1123 savings from UPS Address Correction  Fees
- Accountable for the shipping of all consumer orders taken over the internet & phone
- Provide international shipping rates and fulfillment of international samples.
- Effectively ship all company materials and product request for the sales & marketing teams
- Process all sales request via Sales Force and POS request
- Sort customer orders into spreadsheets for East & West Coast Shipping Fulfillment

Shipping Coordinator

Imaging Plus, Inc

• Experience in Distribution Center configuration with Warehouse Management software
• Certified Industrial Truck Operator License (sit-down, stand/Up, Electric Pallet Jack)
• Responsible for the organization/maintenance of Warehouse and storage areas
• Administer the Drop Ship program
• Manage relationships, process inbound invoices and negotiate discounts with all carriers (Allstates World Cargo, UPS, U-line etc.)
• Manage physical inventory process (counts, cycle counts, etc.)
• Coordinate, administer, and monitor all outstanding POs and inbound shipments from vendors/suppliers
• Responsible for overall movement of merchandise-receiving and transferring
• Develop and implement strategic goals and action plans for the Warehouse Department
• Responsible for maintenance of office and packing supplies
• Completed projects within the requested time frame
• Responsible for processing/shipping phone orders
• Administer back-orders to maximize fill upon arrival
• Responsible for processing/shipping orders through FedEx & UPS
• Worked closely with management to ensure adequate inventory levels were maintained

Shipping & Receiving

Paragon Luggage Inc

• Responsible for All Inventory &amp; Equipment in a 56,100 SF Warehouse &amp; Office Building
• Experience in Distribution Center configuration with Warehouse Management software.
• Completed projects within the requested time frame
• Certified Industrial Truck Operator License (sit-down, stand/Up, Electric Pallet Jack)
• Responsible for organization and maintenance of Warehouse and storage areas
• Responsible for overall movement of merchandise-receiving and transferring
• Manage relationships, process inbound invoices and negotiate discounts with all carriers (FedEx, UPS, U-line etc.)
• Coordinate, administer, and monitor all outstanding POs and inbound shipments from vendors/suppliers.
• Administer the Drop Ship program
• Manage physical inventory process (counts, cycle counts, etc.)
• Develop and implement strategic goals and action plans for the Warehouse Department.
• Responsible for maintenance of office and packing supplies
• Administer back-orders to maximize fill upon arrival
• Responsible for processing/shipping phone orders
• Responsible for processing/shipping orders through FedEx &amp; UPS
• Works closely with management to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained.

Assistant Warehouse Manager

BabyStyle, Inc

• Help customers select their purchases
• Knowledge of retail merchandising and product flow techniques
• Build loyalty with customers.
• Decrease store shrinkage by researching inventory discrepancies, and reporting suspicious activities to loss prevention specialists
• Organize the stock room &amp; warehouse, and ensure that accurate labeling, logical placement, neat arrangement, and cleanliness were maintained
• Assist in other store functions as needed
• Other duties include cashier
• Provided outstanding customer service
• Kept all stations clean, stocked and organized
• Willingness to learn and take direction.
• Adhere to all Company policies, procedures and practices.
• Unpack received goods; placement of product on selling floor.
• Verify accuracy of shipment.
• Ensure that each customer receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment, which includes greeting and acknowledging every customer 
• Maintaining solid product knowledge and all other aspects of customer service.
• Maintain an awareness of all promotions and advertisements.
• Assist in floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance, and housekeeping
• Assist in processing and replenishing merchandise and monitoring floor stock.
• Aid customers in locating merchandise.
• Communicate customer requests to management.
• Assist in completing price changes within the department.
• Participate in year-end inventory and cycle counts.
• Assist in ringing up sales at registers and/or bagging merchandise.
• Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by any manager.

Stock & Sales) Associate

Wahoo's Fish Taco

• Supervise Working Conditions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Train and coach employees.
• Conduct employee performance reviews.
• Responsible for shift schedule to include: work station assignments/rotations, employee training, employee vacations, 
employee breaks, overtime assignment, back-up for absent employees, and shift rotations.
• Coordinate Operation startups, shutdowns, and changeovers.
• Coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
• Schedule and conduct shift meetings.
• Responsible to meet shift production goals.
• Responsible for quality control. Make adjustments as necessary during shift to best provide best Customer Service 
• Communicate with other Shift Supervisors and Manager.
• Ensure a clean and safe work area.
• Complete shift paper work.
• Assist in Customer Service as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Setup work station
• Counted and balanced register at beginning and end of shift
• Helped guests with placing their orders
• Provided outstanding customer service
• Kept all stations clean, stocked and organized

Server Cashier

Converting Invoices to Cash for CPG Leaders: Your AR, Our Expertise

I'm Raffy Garcia. 

Passionate about CPG brands, I specialize in Accounts Receivables transformation to drive growth. 

In my tenure, I've overseen cash flow management for companies with revenues from sub $30M to over $500M, playing a crucial role in their financial scaling and success.

My Approach:

Beyond managing invoices, I build strategic financial solutions aligned with CPG brand visions.

Core Values:

At the core of my professional ethos are the values of support, integrity, and perseverance. 

Testimonials:
🗣️ What industry experts say about working with me:

    Matt Kowalec, COO, CFO, CEO Advisor & Board Member:
    "Extremely pleased with the results...Raffy makes significant progress quickly."
    A journey of impactful learning with Matt.

    Arin Beltran, Accounts Receivable Specialist at ~Pourri:
    "Raffy's adaptability and positive attitude stand out."
    Showcasing adaptability and teamwork with Arin.

    Brett La Tourette, Accounting, Leadership & Operations:
    "An extremely talented person with a unique team-oriented approach."
    Gained invaluable insights under Brett's leadership.

    Oliver Kirya, Collaborative Financial Business Partner:
    "Raffy was eager to take on new challenges...a star in Accounts Receivable."
    Instrumental growth with Oliver's perspective at Sambazon.

    Matthew Biggins, CEO & President at Cremo Company:
    "Raffy stepped up to the challenge...an invaluable team member."
    Pivotal career experience with Matthew's guidance.

    Jim Harrington, Entrepreneurial CMO:
    "Raffy is a collections ninja...improved our company's profitability and cash flow."
    Masterclass in finance and brand strategy with Jim.

    Eric Munsayac, Strategic Category Management Expert:
    "Raffy helped me understand their business...very easy to work with."
    Fulfilling knowledge-sharing experience with Eric.

    Kadeem Hinton, MS, CFS, Food Scientist:
    "If passion and tenacity are what you're looking for, look no further."
    Inspiring journey in dedication with Kadeem.

    Ly Ung, Advisor:
    "A consummate professional and tireless learner...the best hire I have made."
    Ly's mentorship at Sambazon was a cornerstone in my growth.

    Mary Martinez (Morris), Balanced Financial Leader:
    "Raffy: responsible, dedicated, detail-oriented, passionate."
    Shaped my financial leadership under Mary's guidance.

Connect With Me:

CPG Founders & Stakeholders ready for transformative growth: Connect with me to align your financial strategies with integrity, support, and perseverance.

Rafael Garcia

Eric Martindale

Founder, Elite Commerce Group | E-Com & Retail Media | Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop, Instacart | E-Com Futurist | USMC Combat Vet

Leading Brands into the Future of Commerce.  Our team of developers, digital marketers, and e-commerce veterans; are experienced on a wide range of digital platforms, including both e-commerce marketplaces and retail media platforms.  

We pride ourselves in developing "best fit" solutions to meet each Brand where they are.  No two omnichannel strategies are alike.  We come to each Brand uniquely, rather than trying to squeeze a Brand into our template.

Founder, CEO

We are the most aggressive, growth-oriented E-Commerce Management Agency in the game.  

From End-to-End Management, to Strategic Growth, to Digital Advertising or Product Development - We leverage a blend of deep experience with proprietary technology to change the game for our Brand Partners.

We’re back baby. 

We’re so back.


Your LinkedIn pizza creator.  

Your dough maker, crust baker.

Your 6 out of 10, kinda recommend. 

Your…


Ok, I’m done.  

You really did NOT deserve that.


But back by popular demand…

I worked up this chorizo and queso fresco.

Always on a King Arthur Baking Company keto crust.  

Extra always on mine. 


My top 3 so far:  Chorizo, ribeye, seafood.  

(Chicken Caesar is definitely a runner-up.)


What should I make next time?

I will pretend to entertain all answers. ✔️



#pizza
#pizzasundays
#ecommerce

Eric M.

Scaling Brands in E-Com & Retail Media - Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, TikTok, Whole Foods, Criteo | Banned from Chuck E. Cheese | USMC Combat Vet | Founder Elite Commerce Group

No alternative text description for this image

Do you have any idea what this is?  


This is your Super Bowl spread.  

It’s your March Madness party tray.  

It’s the talk of the party at your next event.


Meet Bolani, a traditional Afghan filled flatbread.

It was founded by Afghan-American Nazie Sadiq. 

Now Nazie’s sons are scaling Bolani across America.   

Truly one of the only Nationally distributed Afghan brands.  


If you want to impress the family or guests…

You will not top Bolani.  


Pictured:

👉 Pumpkin, Spinach, and Potato leek Flatbreads. 

👉 Garlic Mint, Cilantro Pesto, and Sweet Jalapeño Sauces.


What an unbelievable experience!


———

You can pick these up in Sprouts, Whole Foods, Safeway, and other stores around the country.  

(I have no formal affiliation with this brand, but I do think Billal is a salt-of-the-Earth human being.)



#Foodie #Ecommerce #CPG

I’m in way too deep.


I don’t care what’s in or out.

Snack boards will always have a place in this house.

The flavor and texture combo’s are ENDLESS.  


Very special nod to Nature's Wild Berry.  

If you haven’t had this experience, put your phone down.  

No, wait.  Pick your phone back up.  

You’re gonna need it to order. ✔️


This little miracle berry is intense.  

It turns sour to sweet and bitter to smooth.

I’m not talking about a subtle experience here.

It’s the focal point of your next snack board.
 

I originally saw this on Shark Tank.

I’ve mixed it up with Hank Watt a bit and finally pulled the trigger.  



What’s cooking at your place this Saturday night?


#cpg #foodie #ecommerce

There is no such thing as perfection.  

But that won’t stop me from trying. 


This one was slow cooked in foil with a high heat seer.

Served on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes.


Hands down, the best one yet.  

———

Shout out to Stryker Farm for humanely raised quality meat.


Shout out to Schmidt Bros. Cutlery.

There is nothing like a good set of knives. 

If you cook, you know. 



#steak #amazon #retailmedia #ecommerce

Today marks Day 6 of Hope’s second chance at life.  


I’ve never had more DM’s and requests for updates. 

Our LinkedIn fam turned out to be a bunch of softies. 💙

So for all of you who have asked for updates…


Quick TL/DR if you missed the post:  

This dog was abandoned back in Sept.

Ashley and I spent the past 4 months trying to trap her.   


Unfortunately, she was crafty.  

She dodged every trap, always making off with the bait. 

But last Sunday, we knew the weather was too much.

We had 12” of snow, and a forecast of -8° that night.

So I set out to track her in the fresh snow.  


When I found her, she was lying at the foot of a tree.

I almost missed her; she had become buried in snow.

For the first time, she let me approach her.

She didn’t move, because she was done.

She had let her bowels go, her face covered in ice.

It was clear she had laid down to die.


Ashley and I cleaned her up and realized she was just a puppy.  

A very young life that came to an early end.  

Saved AFTER all hope was gone. 


Today Hope is happy, warm, fed, and loved. 

From the last day of her life, to the start of a new one.

Unfortunately, not every pet, or human, gets this ending.


Nonetheless, this story will always be surreal to me.

There’s a part I didn’t mention last week.  

I actually knelt down in the snow and prayed at a point.

I don’t even know why.  I’m not usually that soft,  

Little did I know, Ashley did the same inside the house.


So did God save this dog?  I don’t know.  

He doesn’t save every dog, or even every human.  

I have no reason to believe a dog would ever even pray for help.  


Here’s what I do know.  

I have been beyond all hope. 

I have been in situations where it seemed hopeless.  

And yet here I am.   


I choose to see Hope (the dog) as a metaphor.  

There are people right now that are beyond all hope.  

There are people feeling as though it’s all over.  


So for those that need it, have Hope.  

For those that don’t, be the Hope someone needs.  




Who do you know that needs some hope, right now? 

I know I have some work to do.


#Hope #Pray

I may not understand women.

Kids are an endless puzzle.  

Business is a labrynth.  


But I have the kids’ pizza locked down TIGHT. 

Multiple little aliens.  One pizza.  

No problem.   


#FractionalPizza


So what’s on the menu at your house tonight?



#pizza #pizzasundays #ecommerce

The Amazon Fresh closing will usher in a revolution.   

Get ready for Amazon 2.0.  


Amazon retail is a saga of repeated failures, right? 

Amazon Books
Amazon 4-Star
Amazon Pop-Up (mall kiosks)
Amazon Style (apparel stores)
Amazon Go (convenience stores)
Amazon Go Grocery
Amazon Fresh (physical grocery stores)
Amazon Salon (UK)


But Amazon did nearly $700B last year.  

These 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘴 are like flipping you $100 for your kickstarter.  


That said, the future belongs to delivery.  

We won’t wait 2 days when we can have it in 2 hours.


Think I’m wrong?  

Walmart and Amazon agree with me. 


Amazon knows e-grocery is exploding.

Amazon also knows Walmart owns 30% of it.  


𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲.

1.  Walmart can reach 90% of US shoppers in 2hrs. 

2.  Walmart owns the mass-market (Oreo and Pepsi).

3.  Walmart has the real estate to serve BFY.

4.  Whole Foods can’t currently serve the mass market. 

5.  Amazon never achieved real grocery brand awareness.  


Amazon is not well positioned for mass grocery.

Amazon is not well positioned for e-grocery. 

At least not yet.


𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘆.

1.	Consolidate grocery under Whole Foods brand. 
- Amazon Fresh and Go get converted over.

2.	Expand Whole Foods footprint by 100+. 

3.	Plant Whole Foods Daily Shop where Walmart can’t go.
-  Convenience formats in cities, hospitals. 

4.	Convert many Whole Foods to micro FC’s.
- Some new formats have more FC than retail space. 

5.	Whole Foods powers Amazon’s Same-Day Grocery. 
- Amazon will offer this to 2,300 cities in 2026.
- Amazon plans expansion to 5,000 cities by 2028.

6.  Test a mass-adjacent physical format.
- Chicago location expected 2027. 
- I believe it competes more with Sam’s than Walmart.



A wise person spends one hour planning good habits. 

And two hours cutting out bad habits.  


Amazon has always been quick to “Test and Learn”.  

Don’t be so quick to look at Amazon fresh as a failure.

Never, ever bet against Amazon.


How about you?

Do you think Whole Foods could ever serve the mass market?

Who thinks Bezos is still running Amazon?

———
P.S.   We manage Whole Foods Ads for quite a few brands.  

Is now the time to double down on Whole Foods.

P.S.S.  I believe most brands need 2 common strategies: Amazon and Walmart.  

#wholefoods #amazon #amazonagency #retailmedia #cpg

Walmart just fired everyone.  

Here’s what it says about your future.  


Ok, not everyone.

But there was a huge leadership shakeup. 

Doug McMillon, the most important CEO since Sam Walton, is out.


Consider…

Doug McMillon is out as Walmart Global CEO.

John Furner is in.  


John Furner is out as Walmart US CEO.

David Guggina is in.  


BONUS:  Walmart established NEW Global Role.

Seth Dallaire in as Chief Growth Officer. 


What does all of this say about the future?

Let’s take a look at their backgrounds:

- Furner oversaw Walmart’s “digitization” (e-com, BOPIS, etc.)

- Guggina was most recently Chief of E-Com.

- Dallaire once led Walmart Connect and Walmart Data.  


It’s what Walmart just made strategic:

Walmart is focusing on:

-Marketplace
-Retail Media
-Delivery
-Data


The shelf is now 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮 of the screen.

Sometimes that screen will be in your home.

Sometimes that screen will be in the store.

Walmart is rebuilding around that screen.


👇

“How much do I focus on ecom if 80% of sales are in-store?”

We are entering an age where it is all e-com.

The whole store is going digital.

Walmart understands this.

Heck, they’re driving it.


If you want control…

It comes through a screen more every day.


———

Congratulations to Doug McMillon for a game well played.  

What a legend.

This ain’t daddy‘s Walmart anymore. 



#cpg #walmart #ecommerce #retailmedia

Super Bowl Sunday Practice. 👇

𝗞𝗲𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. ✔️


The star of this show was Seed Ranch Flavor Co. 


K, I’ve been holding a bottle of Just Wingin’ it for the right time. 

Super Bowl wings?  It’s time.

This was the practice one.


Now know we’re low carb around here, sooo…

Low Carb Boneless Wings it is. 🤌

(Conventional instructions at the end.)
 

𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗦
	•	Boneless chicken thighs
	•	Yo Mama’s Italian Dressing
	•	Almond flour
	•	Onion powder
	•	Garlic powder
	•	Salt
	•	Black pepper
	•	Baking soda
	•	Seed Ranch Just Winging It sauce
	•	Butter


𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗗

1.	Marinate boneless thighs in Yo Mama's Foods ® Italian dressing.

2.	Breading:  almond flour, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, baking soda.

3.	Remove chicken from marinade and roll thoroughly in breading mixture.

4.	Place breaded chicken on baking sheet.
	
5.	Bake at 400 until cooked through and crisp on the outside.

6.	Melt butter and mix with Seed Ranch Just Wingin It sauce.

7.	Toss baked wings in sauce mixture until coated.

8.  Devour.



If you prefer traditional, sub almond for wheat flour and deep fry in peanut oil at 325°.

Either way, Seed Ranch is THE gourmet hot sauce option. 


Sooo…

What’s on your Super Bowl menu? 




#SuperBowl #Amazon #Ecommerce #RetailMedia #AmazinAgency


Another work of art David Delcourt 🤌

TikTok is out.  

Substack is in.  


Ok.  Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.  

TikTok isn’t exactly out, out.  

But growth rate has slowed.


If you know me, I’m a man of frontiers.  

I want high growth, low competition.  

I want the value trade.  The cheat code.


We may have a new frontier here.  

Substack is popping. 


Why?  

There’s so much NOISE on social.  

“AI Slop” + Hyper-curation = 🥱


Users find Substack to be “human”. 

Check out Substack’s growth (paid subscriptions): 

2023: 2,000,000
2024: 3,000,000–4,000,000
2025: 5,000,000

Growth
• 2023→2024: 50–100%
• 2024→2025: 25–67%


Look, TikTok isn’t going anywhere.

But for business, it isn’t the secret it used to be.

Substack may be a new frontier. 


What are you guys think?

Does this platform have legs?


#ecommerce #amazon #amazonagency #retailmedia

I spent exactly 0 hours on TikTok so you don’t have to.


Ok. So, I’m not a TikTok kind of guy.

I mean, I love you guys, but not that much. ✔️


I do think it’s important to stay on top of trends.

But there’s a right way in the wrong way to do that.

Do:  Trend jack and ride popularity when possible.

Don’t:  Reorganize your business around them.


Here are the Top 10 TikTok trends this year.

(According to several articles by Menu Tiger.) 

𝟭. 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘅 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘀
Overnight Weetabix dipped in dark chocolate, eaten like cereal.

𝟮. 𝗜𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗵
Deli meats, cheese, and veg chopped together and stuffed into bread.

𝟯. 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹𝘀
Strawberries mixed with melted chocolate for a dessert cup.

𝟰. 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗵𝘂𝗹𝘂 (𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗸𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀)
Fruit coated in hard sugar syrup for a glossy crackle.

𝟱. 𝗣𝗶𝘇𝘇𝗮 𝗧𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁
Pizza ingredients folded into a tortilla and toasted like a pocket.

𝟲. 𝗧𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗶𝘇𝘇𝗮 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽
Folded tortilla with quadrant toppings toasted into a pocket.

𝟳. 𝗗𝗮𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝟮.𝟬
Whipped coffee revived with flavored syrups and matcha.

𝟴. 𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘅
Classic TikTok pasta updated with new cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes.

𝟵. 𝗔𝗶𝗿 𝗙𝗿𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘁𝘀
Biscuit dough air-fried and rolled in sugar.

𝟭𝟬. 𝗖𝘂𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗱
Smashed or sliced cucumbers dressed with sesame, soy, and aromatics.


Sounds like a lot of people trying to gain weight to me.

BUT…. 

There are probably some opportunities.


For instance…

You can put up a LinkedIn post and get attention for your brand.  ✔️



So would you do air fryer doughnuts? 

You can reset afterward with a three-day Sardine fast.  


———

#cpg #ecommerce #TrashDiet

https://lnkd.in/e83ZjYQC

“Everyone has a [strategic long-range business] plan until they get punched in the mouth.” - Tyson


Is it Q4 yet?



#fakequotes
#ecommerce

Sam's is quietly out-strategizing Costco.

Can Sam's beat Costco in the 10-year game?  


Costco is certainly much bigger than Sam's.

But Sam's is planting some powerful seeds.


Tech, delivery, and International growth.  

Costco is going to have it's work cut out for it.


Watch here, or YouTube link in the comments.  


So who is your of choice; Costco, Sam’s, or BJ’s?

What’s your favorite Club buy?

-----
Club sales can be the onramp to your eventual exit.  

DM me to see how we can support rotations or core items.  
#club #retail #amazon #ecommerce #retailmedia

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