What kind of thinking drives a business that thrives across generations? Andy Brabec, Ecommerce and Marketing Director for legendary jewelry icon Borsheims, joins the Dragonproof Podcast to share how this 150-yr retail powerhouse leveraged technology in 2020 to stay focused on the emotional connection between customers and products. A concierge-type shopping experience translated seamlessly from flagship store to online, demonstrating how personal service is a key to enduring success.  Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36gHY6v 

When the iconic CEO of the world’s largest online marketplace announces he’s stepping down, every entrepreneur should take note. Rick Wilson, CEO of Miva, Inc., dives into the implications of Jeff Bezos’ surprise retirement for the broader world of independent ecommerce, in this in-the-weeds talk.  

The life-saving application of online selling technology in 2020 crystallized a long-in-the-making transformation of consumer culture. The question now is, how do we shepherd the ecommerce industry to promote prosperity and wellbeing, in a way that is sustainable, fair, and wise? Rick Wilson explores how expertise, driven by self-reflection, is urgently needed right now by ecommerce businesses and professionals who suddenly find themselves driving the global economy.    Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36gHY6v 

Rick Wilson looks at July through December 2020 in his review of the year’s important ecommerce themes. Ecommerce professionals grappled with a public health crisis, how to respond to massive social justice protests, colossal logistical challenges, the effects of the video conferencing boom, and the need to anticipate wild shifts in consumer behavior. In this episode, Rick revisits several inspiring conversations with show guests thru the second half of the year.  Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36gHY6v 

The devastating impacts of 2020 upon our collective health and economy will be studied for years to come - but one of the more positive stories of this year has been the solidification of ecommerce as a primary driver of American business. Across more than 2 dozen podcast episodes, Rick Wilson has explored the challenges of running an ecommerce business in 2020 in real-time - illuminating a true coming of age for an industry which has become a critical lifeline for sellers and consumers alike. This special 2-part episode revisits the month-by-month evolution of the year from today’s perspective.    Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36gHY6v 

Sellers – like all Americans – are understandably weary after a long, challenging year, capped off by the 2020 election cycle. As we approach the holidays and a new economy in 2021, Rick Wilson speaks with audience-favorite ecommerce guru John Lawson about the sustainability of 2020’s industry growth, the long-term impact of trade wars, and the enduring power of social connections between buyer and seller. 

The holiday shopping season is always a disruptive event for online sellers - and in 2020, the added global disruptions brought on Covid have heightened consumers' collective need for products and services that bring solace, humanity, and hope.   There is no more precious object in one's home than a family photo. We turn to these emblems of memories, experiences, and good emotions during times of stress and to celebrate all that we love. That's why ScanMyPhoto's unique photo digitization services are such a hit during holiday shopping seasons, and never more so than in 2020.   In this episode, Mitch Goldstone of ScanMyPhotos.com joins Rick Wilson for an update on how this business is preparing for the "good disruption" of the upcoming holiday period.   For more information, please visit https://www.ScanMyPhotos.com   To see the New Yorker illustration referenced, visit https://www.newyorker.com/cartoon/a24112   Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/36gHY6v

“Restructuring” is a form of bankruptcy which reorganizes a business - but all businesses can apply these principles to guard against unplanned stresses. This constructive quick take shares the 5 key ways any business can apply those same concepts to protect against major disruption.    

More of a late summer "spring training" than a vacation, Rick shares how lessons learned over the past month of working travel are perfect preparation for the intense months to come. With the most unique and challenging holiday season in ecommerce history approaching, against a backdrop of Covid and the election, it's the right time to assess how we can leverage technology to streamline, stay safe, and succeed.    

With the major release of Miva 10 software imminent, Rick juggles the round-the-clock demands of the rollout with his freewheeling, in-progress road odyssey. Here's the hat trick: how do you break free from stagnation/status quo, while simultaneously being a grounded, helpful, authoritative leader? This week, the dispatch from the RV!