The 2026 eCom Trends Report
Top Report Findings: This is our sixth Trends Report with 300 owners representing $3.5...
Podcast | Episode 589
Reviving a Plateaued Business & USA Manufacturing (Rerun)
How do you breathe new life into a stagnant business? In this fan-favorite rerun episode, I’m joined by Chris Rose, President of Gunner.com, to talk about how he helped transform a complacent brand into a thriving, premium business. Specializing in high-quality, American-made dog kennels, Chris shares how understanding customer lifetime value and focusing on high-impact priorities can breathe new energy into a business.
Listen in as we dive into the benefits of U.S. manufacturing, the challenges of scaling through paid ads, and why staying selective with retail partnerships is key to long-term brand health. Whether you’re running a legacy brand or just trying to get out of a rut, this conversation is packed with real-world insights on leadership, strategy, and premium positioning.
You’ll learn:
- The challenges and benefits of manufacturing in the USA. (7:30)
- Why maintaining quality is worth more than short-term cost savings. (9:25)
- How Chris approached revitalizing a business that had settled into the status quo. (15:05)
- Strategies for balancing daily operations with long-term strategic thinking. (21:31)
- Why scaling with paid ads is harder than ever in 2025—and what to do instead. (34:10)
- Chris’ approach to omni-channel expansion and choosing retail partners wisely. (39:50)
- Pros and cons of working in bootstrapped vs. well-funded businesses. (44:25)
- Lightning round with Chris. (48:20)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
(With your host Andrew Youderian of eCommerceFuel.com and Chris Rose of Gunner.com)
What Was Mentioned
- Chris Rose: Website | LinkedIn
- eCommerceFuel Forum
Ideas Worth Sharing:
"We're building muscles, not fat.” - Chris Rose Tweet this "I think that in an organization like Gunner, where the expectations from our consumers are so high… they really expect us to hit a home run with every single product.” - Chris Rose Tweet this "It's about making smart decisions today that will give you the time with your family tomorrow.” - Chris Rose Tweet this
Post by Andrew Youderian
Founder and Chief Instigator, eComFuel
Andrew quit an early finance job to sell CB radios online — an admittedly unorthodox career path. It set him on a course to found and sell multiple businesses, host a decade-running podcast, lecture at Harvard Business School and create eComFuel, the leading community for 7- and 8-figure online business owners. Andrew is fascinated with branding, AI, building community, investing and growing meaningful businesses that don't require sacrificing what truly matters.
