In this episode, George Kapernaros sits down with Henry Cooke, founder of Collider — the mood-boosting, non-alcoholic beer infused with functional mushrooms and adaptogens.
Collider isn’t just another “healthy alternative” — it’s a science-backed beer experience designed to make you feel good without hangovers, empty calories, or compromise.
Henry shares his journey from co-founding his premium sparkling wine brand to launching Collider — a brand that’s already hit 7-figure revenue in under a year.
💡 What you’ll learn:
Why non-alcoholic drinks are the next big wellness trend
How adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane affect your mood
The brand strategy behind Collider’s standout design
How to build a startup with real intentionality
What’s next for Collider (including expansion into the US 🍺)
In this episode, George Kapernaros sits down with Sachi Singh, founder of Rootless, to unpack her fascinating journey — from working with billionaires in philanthropy to launching a seaweed-powered brand that’s redefining women’s health.
You’ll learn how Sachi discovered seaweed as a powerful systems-level climate solution, why Rootless focuses on perimenopause & menopause, and how her community-driven crowdfunding approach attracted 65% first-time female investors.
🔑 Key Topics:
Why seaweed may be the most underutilized superfood for women’s health
How Rootless achieved 70%+ repeat purchase rates
Lessons from launching (and reworking) a wellness app
The future of regenerative supply chains & hormonal wellness
How naivety can be a founder’s superpower
If you’re a founder, health entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of climate, wellness, and consumer brands — you’ll love this conversation.
In this episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, George Kapernaros sits down with Kath Pay — one of the earliest pioneers of email marketing. With 27+ years of experience, Kath shares how she went from running a web design company in Australia to launching one of the first email marketing platforms, and why she still believes email is stronger than ever.
Kath explains what “holistic email marketing” really means, how to align strategy with business goals, and how to handle the constant pressure for revenue targets. We also explore her new Holistic Email Academy and discuss how AI is reshaping — but not replacing — the role of marketers.
If you’re in retention, CRM, or just curious about the future of email marketing, this episode is packed with timeless lessons and fresh insights.
Most agencies undervalue case studies — and we were guilty of the same mistake. In this episode, George Kapernaros and Mo break down why case studies are your trust currency, how they directly impact your sales cycle, and why every single client engagement should lead to a documented success story.
You’ll learn:
Why not publishing case studies is “the most insane mistake” an agency can make
How case studies lower the effort needed to close new clients
The simple before & after framework that makes case studies persuasive
How to structure contracts so you can actually publish your work
Why you should create multiple case studies per client, not just one
What to do if you’re starting out and don’t have results yet
Whether you’re an agency owner, freelancer, or consultant — this episode will show you how to leverage your wins into future growth.
In this episode of The CEOAFTERDARK, I sit down with Matthew Holman – the founder of Subscription Prescription, to unpack what it really takes to build, scale, and retain a profitable subscription business.
We dive deep into:
-How to choose the right subscription tech stack (without bias)
-Why acquisition is the real driver of retention – and how to fix yours
-Proven onboarding flows that cut churn in half
-The art of testing subscription offers for maximum LTV
-Building engaged communities that power your brand long-term
Whether you’re running E-Commerce, SaaS, or subscription boxes, this conversation is loaded with actionable strategies you can implement today.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Subscription Wizardry
03:02 Navigating Subscription Technologies
05:58 The Importance of Acquisition in Subscriptions
09:00 Retention Strategies and Subscriber Engagement
11:59 Auditing Subscription Businesses
15:08 Testing Offers and Optimizing Retention
18:01 Building a Community Around Subscriptions
26:46 Future Aspirations in Subscription Consulting
Most retention agencies are stuck in 2020—still thinking retention means “send more emails.” In this episode of the Retention Clarity Gap podcast, Mo and George Kapernaros (Founder of Yocto) break down why this thinking is dead.
They unpack:
– Why production is no longer a moat (thanks to AI & platforms like Klaviyo)
– The collapse of “service market fit” for average agencies
– Why the real future of retention lies in strategic decision-making, not email volume
– How Yocto is scaling by hiring problem-solvers, not button-pushers
– What “Strategy Activation” means and why it’s replacing outdated audits
– The new model for high-retention, high-impact client relationships
If you're an eCom founder, marketer, or agency owner—this is your wake-up call.
🔥 Don’t forget to like, comment, and leave a review if this hit home.
🔔 Subscribe for more sharp takes on the future of retention.
▶ LinkedIn: https:/https://www.linkedin.com/company/george-kapernaros/
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, George Kapernaros sits down with Blake Imperl – Head of Marketing at Digio and a true D2C SaaS insider. From his early days at Attentive and Wonderment to now driving growth at Digio, Blake has mastered the art of blending tactical marketing, authentic community-building, and personal brand development.
We dive deep into:
How to build a powerful content-driven go-to-market engine
The underrated power of personal branding in B2B SaaS
Building communities before product-market fit
How Digio helps 2,000+ DTC brands turn zero- and first-party data into real personalization
Why most SaaS brands fail at content – and how to fix it
How to plug into the ecosystem fast as a new brand
This episode is packed with practical advice, real-world frameworks, and a candid look into how Blake's personal brand opened career doors – and built massive company equity along the way.
In this episode, Mo & George dive deep into one of the biggest challenges in retention marketing: how to communicate your impact to leadership, justify budget, and drive decisions with data.
If you've ever struggled to "sell" retention internally, this one's a must-listen.
🔍 Key Takeaways:
Revenue ≠ Impact. Speak the language of profit & margin.
Know who you're pitching to: finance, founders, creatives all think differently.
Frame your work around solving business problems, not showing reports.
The retention industry is changing fast. Stay sharp or get replaced by AI.
💼 We're hiring: Want to join Yocto? DM George on LinkedIn with what sets you apart. The bar is high, the opportunity even higher.
Book a Strategy Call with YOCTO:
https://calendly.com/george-kapernaros/socratic-interview
▶ LinkedIn: https:/https://www.linkedin.com/company/george-kapernaros/
In this deep dive conversation, Mo sits down with George Kapernaros to break down one of the most misunderstood topics in eCommerce: retention. But instead of just talking about email flows or post-purchase tips, George flips the script—arguing that retention starts at acquisition.
👉 Why your offer is the biggest retention lever
👉 How to make customers feel the value—not just see it
👉 Why habit formation matters more than your welcome flow
👉 Smart post-purchase tactics (that don’t rely on discounts)
👉 The real reason most brands lose customers (and how to fix it)
From building emotional brand connections to turning zero-party data into real personalization, George shares practical frameworks and examples from brands he's worked with—including how to stay top-of-mind without spamming.
This is a must-watch for DTC founders, email marketers, and anyone obsessed with LTV, CAC, and retention math that actually makes sense.
Book a Strategy Call with YOCTO:
https://calendly.com/george-kapernaros/socratic-interview
▶ LinkedIn: https:/https://www.linkedin.com/company/george-kapernaros/
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, host George Kapernaros sits down with John Roman, the mastermind behind BattlBox, the outdoor subscription brand that became a media machine. John shares how he:
Scaled BattlBox into a DTC powerhouse
Sold it (at peak market conditions)
Built a Netflix show around the brand
Created a content engine where 60% of revenue comes from organic
From leveraging YouTube reviews in 2015 before influencer seeding was even a term, to scaling a full-time creator team and managing post-exit pitfalls—John breaks down what it really takes to build community, turn creators into cashflow, and why content is the real moat in DTC today.
Whether you’re a brand founder, marketer, or creator—this episode is a masterclass in strategic content and brand building.
E-Commerce & Content Creation Insights | CEOAFTERDARK with Lucy Jeffrey
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with Lucy Jeffrey, founder of Bare Kind, to explore the real stories behind building a purpose-driven e-commerce brand and growing an authentic online presence.
From her entrepreneurial beginnings to navigating business with a life partner, Lucy shares honest insights into content creation, the power of storytelling, and why embracing experimentation over perfection is key to startup success.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to catch more unfiltered conversations with today’s boldest founders.
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with the inspiring Janis Thomas, Marketing Director at Look Fabulous Forever, a beauty brand redefining aging. From her unique career path to the mission driving the brand, Janis opens up about authentic customer connection, mastering communication, and turning campaign failures into growth. We dive deep into empowering women in leadership, the art of negotiation, and what's next on the horizon for her career. A must-listen for anyone navigating leadership with heart, strategy, and resilience.
In this in-depth conversation, we explore how Digioh, a leading Marketing Efficiency Platform, is helping e-commerce brands and agencies scale through smarter technology, strategic partnerships, and innovative marketing tactics.
From building high-impact collaborations to leveraging events for deeper connections, this episode uncovers the key elements of Digioh’s growth strategy. Whether you're a founder, marketer, agency owner, or growth strategist, you'll walk away with practical insights to apply in your own business.
We also discuss how Digioh brings real value to agency partners, the power of relationship-based growth, and what the future holds for brands that double down on strategic alliances.
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on e-commerce growth, SaaS strategies, and marketing partnerships!
In this episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, we sit down with Jimmy Kim, a powerhouse in email marketing, SaaS, and e-commerce.
Jimmy shares his journey, insights on the power of networking, and how he built successful businesses in the digital space. We dive deep into the art of storytelling, team building, and the latest trends shaping e-commerce and email marketing. If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business owner looking to scale, this episode is packed with value!
💡 If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or brand strategist, this episode is packed with insights to help you scale and sustain growth in your business.
In this episode of CEOAFTERDARK, we sit down with Rose Hamilton, Founder & CEO of Compass Rose Ventures, to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in the health and wellness industry.
What you'll learn:
How Rose started her journey in wellness and entrepreneurship
The key role of a holistic approach in brand success
What typically holds brands back from growth
How to overcome plateaus and take your brand to the next level
Turning expert recommendations into real action
The power of community-building through media
How to Scale an Agency & SaaS Business – Insights from Jakob Gerzen (More Conversions)
In this deep-dive conversation, we sit down with Jakob Gerzen, founder of More Conversions, to uncover the secrets behind scaling both an agency and a SaaS business. Whether you're a freelancer looking to start your agency, an agency owner considering a SaaS model, or just curious about the future of remote and hybrid work, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How Jakob transitioned from freelancer to agency owner
✅ The challenges & benefits of hybrid and remote work
✅ How to build a software company alongside an agency
✅ Agency vs. SaaS – which business model is right for you?
✅ The biggest mistakes brands make with data (and how to avoid them)
✅ How to engage and train clients effectively
✅ Why creativity is a game-changer in marketing
✅ Key advice for aspiring agency owners and entrepreneurs
Welcome to another episode of CEOAFTERDARK, where we dive deep with industry leaders on business, strategy, and success. Today, we’re joined by Chloë Thomas—bestselling author, award-winning podcaster, and e-commerce marketing expert with 20+ years in the industry!
In this episode, we cover:
✅ How Chloë went from e-commerce consultant to building a thriving media brand
✅ The secrets to growing a successful podcast and attracting sponsors
✅ Why most agencies struggle and how to transition into content creation
✅ The power of automation & data democratization for e-commerce brands
✅ Behind-the-scenes of running a media business and monetizing content
Chloë shares her insider strategies on content creation, audience growth, and sponsorships—must-know insights for anyone looking to scale a podcast, YouTube channel, or media brand!
Unlock the Secrets to Retention Marketing Success in 2025!
In this must-watch episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, we sit down with Thomas Lalas, to uncover cutting-edge strategies that will revolutionize how you engage with customers and build lasting relationships. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, Thomas's actionable insights will help you navigate the evolving digital landscape, boost customer loyalty, and maximize lifetime value.
In this episode of the CEOAFTERDARK Podcast, host George Kapernaros sits down with Patrick Scherr, the visionary founder of Y1, to discuss the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling a thriving agency.
🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Patrick’s unique journey to building Y1 and scaling it to success
Key insights into growing and managing an agency team effectively
Tips for maintaining culture and alignment during rapid growth
The systems and processes Y1 leverages to streamline operations
How to stay innovative and ahead in a competitive industry
This conversation is packed with actionable advice for entrepreneurs, agency owners, and anyone looking to elevate their business to the next level. Whether you’re scaling your agency or just getting started, Patrick shares golden nuggets of wisdom that will inspire and motivate you.
Let us know in the comments what your biggest takeaway from this episode is! 👇
Join George Kapernaros as he sits down with with Stephan Freh, co-founder of Hello Bello, to delve into the intricacies of managing business challenges and cofounder dynamics. Stephan shares his insights on balancing entrepreneurial stressors, the importance of probability-based decision-making, and maintaining a healthy, complementary partnership with co-founders.
Get a glimpse into the resilience tested by setbacks like an office fire and how innovation and collaboration with tech partners have propelled Hello Bello forward. Stephan discusses the joys and struggles of creating personalized, human-grade dog food and navigating the bustling pet tech industry.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
03:25 Bankers transition to managing client family offices.
09:41 Simple dog care provided by configurator questions.
12:14 Complex business with limited funding; outsourced production.
16:12 Plan exit strategies early to prevent messiness.
19:14 Optimism and analysis crucial for startup success.
21:21 Partnerships formed naturally, sustaining long-term collaboration.
26:00 Tech-driven pet food with innovative partnerships.
29:37 Tough circumstances manageable; avoid multiple simultaneous challenges.
Guest Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-freh/
Don’t miss out on Stephan’s invaluable advice for startup success and fostering positive cofounder relationships. Tune in to glean actionable insights and be inspired by Stephan Freh’s journey! Lastly, reach out to George if you have a fascinating business story to share!