Agency Operators Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Main Description

What makes some DTC brands scale effortlessly—while others stay stuck relying on expensive paid ads?

In Episode 74, Pasha sits down with Andriy Boychuk, Founder & CEO of Flowium, one of the top Elite Klaviyo Partner agencies helping brands shift revenue to owned channels through world-class email and SMS systems.

During this live session, Andriy breaks down how brands can generate 30–50% of total store revenue from email within 90 days, the lifecycle strategies that consistently improve retention, and the systems behind predictable, profitable growth.

You’ll learn:
 • How to build email flows that convert
 • The retention levers most operators ignore
 • The real playbook behind LTV and CAC efficiency
 • How to scale campaigns with weekly testing

Packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately, this episode is a must-attend for operators looking to grow smarter—not just bigger.

About the Guest 

About Andriy Boychuk:
Andriy is the Founder & CEO of Flowium, an Elite Klaviyo Partner agency specializing in lifecycle strategy, retention, and email/SMS automation. Known for helping brands drive 30–50% of all revenue from owned channels, Andriy has worked with operators across the DTC landscape to improve LTV, segmentation, deliverability, and creative performance. He also teaches the Klaviyo Master Course and publishes weekly educational content for marketers and founders.

Quote Section

“Consistency & Persistence.”

Connect with Andriy:
LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/andriyboychuk/
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/andriyboychuk/
Website — https://flowium.com/team/andriy-boychuk/

Key Discussion Topics

• Customer retention frameworks that actually move revenue
• Lifecycle flows, segmentation, and VIP strategy
• Weekly testing, optimization, and LTV-driving tactics

Why You Should Tune In

If you’re tired of relying on paid ads and want a predictable growth engine, this episode breaks down the exact systems top-performing brands use to monetize their list, increase LTV, and scale efficiently. You’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to strengthen your retention strategy and shift more revenue to profitable owned channels.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Host:
Pasha Knish - CEO @ AMZ Optimized

Speakers:
Pasha Knish - CEO @ AMZ Optimized
Yoni Steinschriber - Founder @ Elev8 Brands
Yalchin Bayramov - Ecommerce Specialist @ SellerSprite
Phil Masiello - Profitable Ecommerce Brands Architect @ CrunchGrowth
Shane Barker - Owner @ TraceFuse
Phillip Akhzar - Founder @ Arka
Robert Principe - Founder @ eTail Advisors

Agenda:

1. Pasha Knish - Keep the Cart Rolling: How to Maintain Momentum After Peak Season.
2. Yoni Steinschriber - From Hype to Habit: Using Your Brand Community to Drive Repeat Amazon Sales.
3. Yalchin Bayramov  - Amazon Medical product categories and and why profit is high here.
4. Phil Masiello - From Peak Season Data to Year-Round Profit: Building Your Next-Year Forecasting Engine.
5. Shane Barker  - The F.A.S.T. Method: TraceFuse’s proprietary method to find, file, and fix your rating fast!
6. Phillip Akhzar - Turning One-Time Holiday Buyers into Repeat Customers Through Unboxing Experience.
7. Robert Principe - How small brands prioritize their ecomm spend when it comes to allocation and timing.
8. Q&A

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Description:

What does it take to build real, scalable growth in 2025? In Episode 66 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Katz, Founder & Principal of GMA Growth Engines, to unpack how businesses can transform fragmented ad systems and CRM stacks into powerful, compounding growth machines.

Jason shares lessons from leading growth at American Express, Shutterstock, and high-growth startups—along with insights from working directly with companies across ecommerce, real estate, hospitality, and tech. We’ll cover why most CRM tech stacks fail, what to do about it, and how to build a system that fuels long-term growth instead of chaos.

If your growth strategy feels scattered or you’re looking to scale with precision, this episode is one to tune in to.

About Jason Katz

Jason Katz is the Founder and Principal of GMA Growth Engines, where he helps startups and growth-stage companies turn messy, fragmented advertising and CRM systems into high-performance growth engines. With over a decade of leadership experience at American Express and Shutterstock, plus deep work with emerging brands like Bartesian, Neeve Smart Building Cloud, Silverstein Properties, and Hive Technologies, Jason brings a proven approach to scaling smarter and faster.

Connect with Jason Katz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonk78

Key Discussion Topics:

• Growth Engines Aren’t Optional—They Turn Chaos into Compounding Growth
• Strong Ads Aren’t Enough—Build the Data-Driven Engine Fueling Scalable Growth
• Why Up to 70% of CRM Tech Stacks Fail—and How to Make Yours Accelerate Growth

Why You Should Tune In

Jason doesn’t just talk growth—he builds the systems that make it happen. From high-performance marketing engines to CRM stacks that actually work, this episode will give you practical insights to take back to your business immediately.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

How to Outsmart the Amazon Search Game with AI

Host:
Pasha Knish - Founder & CEO @ AMZ Optimized

Speakers:
Pasha Knish - Founder & CEO @ AMZ Optimized
Amy Wees - CEO @ Amazing at Home
Ehud Segev - CEO @ Logie AI
Elizabeth Greene - Co-Founder @ Junglr
Alfonso Gutierrez - CEO @ Sellervate
Ben Mathew - Co-Founder @ Superfuel AI
Christian Umbach - Co-Founder @ CEO @ Autopilot

Agenda:

1. Pasha Knish - AI Powered Backend Keyword Optimization
2. Amy Wees - Rufus knows why people aren't buying your products.
3. Ehud Segev - Amazon Algorithm - from e-commerce driven to social-commerce.
4. Elizabeth Greene - The 80/20 Cheat Code for Amazon Ads (Powered by AI).
5. Alfonso Gutierrez  - Gaining Actionable PDP Changes Using AI for Review and Return Analysis.
6. Ben Mathew - Using AI Agents to Scale Your Amazon Business.
7. Christian Umbach - New AI capabilities to drive seasonal updates for Halloween, Thanksgiving & the Holiday Season.
8. Q & A session

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

What does it take to win on Amazon in 2025? In Episode 65 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by Jake Kosten, Co-Owner of 1o8 Marketplace, to talk about what’s working now and what brands need to focus on to keep growing.

Jake shares lessons from the front lines of marketplace management, insights into Amazon's strategy, and tips for scaling without losing control of your brand voice or margin.

If you're navigating the wild world of Amazon and want to build a lasting brand, this one's for you.

About Jake Kosten

Jake is the co-owner of 1o8 Marketplace, a performance-driven agency that helps brands succeed on Amazon and beyond. With hands-on experience scaling multiple 7- and 8-figure accounts, Jake knows what it takes to win in a fast-changing marketplace. His team helps brands navigate Amazon with smarter strategy, cleaner operations, and long-term vision.

Connect with Jake Kosten: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekosten/ 

Advice from Jake: “Don't quit, there is no telling how far you'll have to run while chasing your dreams.”

Key Discussion Topics:

• How to scale an Amazon brand in today’s competitive landscape
• When (and how) to bring in expert help
• Balancing brand-building with performance marketing
  
  

Why You Should Tune In

Jake brings a grounded, no-fluff perspective on what makes Amazon brands thrive. Whether you're just starting or fine-tuning a mature strategy, this episode will give you ideas you can apply immediately.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Paid ads can only take you so far. What happens when your CAC spikes and scaling stalls? That’s where SEO becomes the most sustainable acquisition channel for Shopify brands.

In Episode 64 of the Agency Operators Podcast, Paul Hermanson, CEO of MonsterGrowth.com, shares how Shopify brands can unlock long-term, compounding growth through SEO — and how AI is transforming the way we approach search. From fast wins to domain authority that boosts valuation, Paul breaks down the strategies that shift ecommerce brands from chasing ads to owning their growth.

If you want to understand how AI and SEO can work together to drive scalable, lasting results, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

About Paul Hermanson
Paul Hermanson is the Founder and CEO of MonsterGrowth.com, an SEO agency dedicated to scaling Shopify brands through search. With over a decade of experience across performance marketing, SEO, and CRO, Paul has helped ecommerce companies lower customer acquisition costs and transition from paid traction to organic growth. His 3-part SEO flywheel — content, links, and conversion optimization — helps brands compound authority and increase their business valuation.

Advice from Paul:  “AI doesn’t replace SEO; it redefines it.”

Connect with Paul Hermanson:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhermanson

Key Discussion Topics:

• How AI impacts SEO for Shopify stores
• Why SEO becomes your most scalable acquisition channel after paid ads plateau
• The 3-part SEO flywheel for ecommerce: Content, Links, and CRO
  
  

Why You Should Tune In
AI isn’t here to kill SEO — it’s here to amplify it. Paul will share practical, battle-tested strategies Shopify brands can use to shift from “best pages” to “best answers,” optimize smarter, and build long-term growth that compounds. Whether you’re scaling a small Shopify store or running a large brand, you’ll learn how to future-proof your acquisition strategy.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

You can’t scale what you don’t understand, and that starts with knowing your numbers.

In Episode 63 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by Fred McKinnon, Founder of eComCatalyst, to talk about what separates operators who guess from those who grow. With years of experience helping brands uncover margin leaks, optimize operations, and scale profitably, Fred brings a no-fluff perspective on what it takes to succeed on Amazon and beyond.

We discuss the importance of financial visibility, what most brands get wrong about performance metrics, and how Fred approaches growth with clarity and precision.

Whether you're running your brand or managing client accounts, this episode is packed with practical insight for building a business that’s not just growing, but growing profitably.

About Fred McKinnon

Fred McKinnon is the Founder of eComCatalyst, a growth consultancy helping ecommerce brands scale by identifying what’s working, what’s not, and what to fix next. With a background in brand ownership and operational strategy, Fred specializes in helping operators build more innovative businesses by understanding the numbers that drive success.

Connect with Fred McKinnon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmckinnon/

Main Discussion Topics:

Why understanding your numbers is the first step to scaling

• The most common margin-killing mistakes brands make
• How to simplify performance metrics to make smarter decisions
• What separates brands that scale from those that stall
  
  

Key Takeaways:

Fred McKinnon shares how successful operators create clarity in chaos by focusing on what matters most, the numbers. Learn how to audit your performance, find your blind spots, and build a foundation for profitable, sustainable growth.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Description:

What happens when an Amazon services agency evolves into a brand holding company?

In Episode 62 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by Michelle Kartchner, CEO and Co-founder of Ascendant, to explore her journey from running client services to owning and scaling multiple ecommerce brands.

With over 15 years of experience across Amazon strategy, operations, and team leadership, Michelle breaks down how agency-brand relationships have changed, why she transitioned from service to ownership, and what it takes to build and lead in high-growth environments.

Whether you’re an agency founder, brand owner, or operator thinking about your next move, this episode delivers real-world insight on scaling smarter, structuring for growth, and leading with intention.

About Michelle Kartchner

Michelle Kartchner is the CEO and Co-founder of Ascendant, a brand holding company focused on scaling ecommerce businesses. She’s also the Co-founder of Skale Strategy, an Amazon services agency, and the founder of Fempower Wellness, a women’s health initiative. With a background spanning operations, marketing, and executive leadership, Michelle brings a unique perspective on what it means to lead, grow, and evolve in the Amazon ecosystem.

Connect with Michelle Kartchner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kartchner-a26ab9a2/ 

Main Discussion Topics:

• How agency relationships have evolved in the Amazon space
• What shifts when you move from client services to brand ownership
• Leadership lessons from building high-performing teams
• The operational mindset that drives scale across multiple brands

Key Takeaways:
Michelle Kartchner shares what it takes to grow from servicing clients to owning the brands yourself. Discover how to adapt to shifting brand expectations, shift your mindset from agency to ownership, and cultivate resilient teams that can scale.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Description:

Scaling your brand isn’t just about generating more revenue; it’s about achieving more profit.

In Episode 61 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by William Harris, Founder & CEO of Elumynt, to break down what it takes to scale profitably in today’s ecommerce landscape. From optimizing around EBITDA to rethinking how you structure your ad strategy, William shares a framework that has helped 13 companies exit, including one for nearly $800 million.

Recently ranked the 12th fastest-growing agency in the world by AdWeek, Elumynt has become known for one thing: profit over vanity metrics. In this episode, William brings clarity to what matters most in growth and how to get there.

Whether you're managing client accounts or running your brand, this is a must-watch for operators who want to grow smarter, not just bigger.

About William Harris

William is the Founder & CEO of Elumynt, an e-commerce growth agency named to the Inc. 5000 and Inc. Best Workplaces lists. He has helped 13 brands exit, including one to GoDaddy, and written over 200 articles on e-commerce, advertising, and leadership for Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Shopify, and more.

Connect with William Harris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wmharris/

Main Discussion Topics:

• Why profit, not ROAS, should drive your strategy
• How to scale e-commerce brands without killing margin
• Optimizing ads around EBITDA and long-term growth
• Lessons from 13 successful brand exits

Key Takeaways:
William Harris shares how leading brands scale profitably by shifting focus from vanity metrics to real business fundamentals. Learn how to optimize your ad strategy around profit, structure your team for growth, and avoid common traps that erode long-term value.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.

Description:

It’s one thing to grow on Amazon. It’s another to last.

In Episode 60 of the Agency Operators Podcast, we’re joined by Jessica Steele, a longtime Amazon seller and Business Advisor for Amazon Agencies, to talk about what it takes to build a business that endures.

Jessica’s been selling on Amazon since the early days, with over 19 years of hands-on experience across FBA, Retail Arbitrage, Wholesale, Private Label, and more. Her approach combines technical discipline from her time at General Electric with in-depth, hands-on Amazon expertise. She’s helped brands launch smarter, streamline faster, and avoid costly pitfalls.

We cover everything from AI-driven operations to how sellers can adapt as Amazon continues to evolve. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who's seen it all and stayed in the game.

About Jessica Steele

Jessica is a business advisor with nearly two decades of experience at Amazon. From GE’s leadership program to launching and managing her own Amazon brands, her career bridges the gap between process engineering and brand growth. She has spoken at top industry events, built relationships with leading platforms such as Walmart and eBay, and authored two advanced Amazon training programs.

Connect with Jessica Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hello-jessica-steele/ 

Main Discussion Topics:

• What sellers today can learn from Amazon’s early days
• How to streamline operations and decision-making with AI
• What it takes to future-proof your business in a fast-moving market
• Lessons from building systems that scale

Key Takeaways:
Jessica Steele brings nearly two decades of Amazon experience to the table, offering a rare perspective on what it takes to stay competitive over the long haul. From simplifying operations with AI to building systems that scale, this episode is packed with lessons on longevity, adaptability, and turning day-to-day selling into a sustainable business.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.