3Z Brands CEO John Merwin returns to The FAM Podcast to talk about the future of mattress retail. From Helix’s brick-and-mortar rise to the viral impact of Brooklyn (his daughter and the brand), and the surprising acquisition of Southerland—a legacy wholesaler—Merwin reveals how the lines between DTC and traditional retail are being redrawn.
🛏️ Whether you’re a mattress retailer, manufacturer, or brand builder, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Wonderbread truck beginnings
01:00 – Getting attacked by his dog (and stitched up in a stranger’s house)
05:00 – Brooklyn (his daughter) goes viral
08:20 – Influencers and mattress marketing
10:45 – Podcasting power for brands
12:30 – Why 3Z bought Nola, Leesa… and Southerland
15:30 – Helix’s success at retail
17:50 – 3Z’s co-branded local ad strategy
21:00 – What DTC brands must do to get acquired
24:00 – Inflection points: liquidation, foam pouring, and vertical integration
35:45 – What’s next for 3Z (and 3 million pillows/year)