In this episode of Talk Commerce, Brent Peterson interviews Kyle Hency, CEO of GoodDay Software, who shares insights from his journey as a co-founder of Chubbies and his current mission to innovate ERP solutions for small brands. The conversation explores the operational challenges brands face today, the evolution of client expectations in technology, and the unique entrepreneurial environment in Austin, Texas. Kyle emphasizes the importance of building accessible tools for brands and the impact of AI on brand building, while also looking ahead to trends for the upcoming holiday season.

takeaways

• Kyle Hency is the CEO of GoodDay Software, previously co-founder of Chubbies.
• Chubbies was built to authentically connect with a younger audience.
• GoodDay Software aims to simplify ERP solutions for small brands.
• Operational challenges for brands include inventory management and market competition.
• The technology landscape is evolving, with higher expectations from clients.
• AI is changing the way brands interact with technology and consumers.
• Austin's tech scene is thriving due to its supportive environment and lower cost of living.
• GoodDay Software focuses on providing a centralized operating system for brands.
• The holiday season is expected to show positive trends for brands after a tough period.
• Collaboration among brands in the e-commerce space is crucial for success.

Sound Bites

• "Every day is a good day."
• "The cost of living is just so transformative."
• "It's a system that does a lot more for you."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Kyle Hency and GoodDay Software

02:57
The Journey from Chubbies to GoodDay Software

05:37
Operational Challenges for Brands

08:20
Building Solutions from Real Pain Points

11:24
The Evolution of Client Expectations

14:03
The Future of ERP Systems

16:33
The Impact of Economic Trends on Brands

19:27
Austin's Unique Innovation Ecosystem

21:57
GoodDay's Mission and Offerings

In this episode of Talk Commerce, Jay Topper, CCO of Fabric, shares insights on the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasizing the importance of a digital-first mindset, effective content generation, and key metrics for success. He discusses strategies for the upcoming holiday season, the impact of Amazon on retail dynamics, and the significance of maintaining a culture of natural tension within organizations. Jay also highlights the critical role of contribution margin as a key performance indicator and offers predictions for the retail season ahead.

takeaways

• Digital first is about mindset and customer promise.
• Content generation is critical for product pages.
• Contribution margin is essential for measuring marketing effectiveness.
• Natural tension in teams can lead to better outcomes.
• Retailers need to align marketing and merchandising strategies during peak seasons.
• Planning and contingency strategies are vital for holiday success.
• Amazon's influence is reshaping retail promotions and consumer expectations.
• Metrics should be agreed upon across departments for consistency.
• Flexibility in operations is crucial during peak times.
• Optimism is a key driver for success in retail.

Sound Bites

• "You can't just rely on paid ads."
• "Plan the dive, dive the plan."
• "You need flexibility during peak."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Jay Topper and His Journey

03:41
Understanding Digital First in Retail

06:23
The Importance of Content in E-commerce

09:40
Balancing Paid Ads and Organic Content

12:18
Natural Tension in Business

15:07
Key Metrics for E-commerce Success

18:06
Strategies for the Holiday Season

20:55
The Impact of Amazon on Retail

23:52
Predictions for the Upcoming Retail Season

26:31
Closing Thoughts and Fabric's Role