The Apres Business Podcast

In Part 1 of this deep dive with Ivan Tijerina, founder of Solomon Advertising, we unpack the essentials of affiliate marketing for e-commerce businesses. Ivan shares how he got his start in the industry, the biggest mistakes new affiliate managers make, and how to avoid fraud and low-value coupon sites. Whether you're scaling an established program or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with practical lessons that will h...

In Part 2 of this conversation, Becca dives deep with Mike Hogan on the challenges and opportunities of growing a niche outdoor brand in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From experimenting with a 100% locally sourced ski to rebuilding trust with retailers after a DTC misstep, Mike shares the real (and raw) stories behind the growth of Hagan Skis. Whether you sell gear, apparel, or products online, this episode is packed with in...

What happens when a lifelong skier buys the ski brand he’s obsessed with? In this episode, Becca sits down with Mike Hogan, the CEO of Hagan Skis North America, to talk about how his love for the sport led to one of the boldest career pivots you’ll ever hear. From storing skis in his kids’ bedrooms to building partnerships with shops across the country, Mike shares the gritty, unconventional path of growing a niche brand in a legac...

What happens when an entrepreneur with a passion for design takes on two wildly different industries? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Binoculars and co-founder of Boombotix, shares his rollercoaster journey from creating the first wearable Bluetooth speakers to launching a brand that’s now sold in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris breaks down his biggest lessons in cash flow management, scaling product-based bus...

How do you scale a niche product and turn it into an outdoor brand loved by customers and major retailers alike? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Provisions, joins host Rebecca Babicz to share the behind-the-scenes of growing his company from DTC (direct-to-consumer) success to landing in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris discusses wholesale strategies, e-commerce growth hacks, and how values-driven branding play...

What’s the secret to building a brand that customers obsess over? In Part 2 of this conversation with Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, we dive into the behind-the-scenes of scaling a product-based business, the challenges and rewards of manufacturing in the USA, and how grassroots marketing and community events fueled Outer Shell’s success. Jim shares how their Coffee Outside meetups became an organic marketing powerhouse, why ...

What happens when a passion for biking and a DIY mindset turn into a full-scale business? In this episode, Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, shares his unconventional journey from corporate tech to manufacturing bikepacking gear in San Francisco. Host Rebecca Babicz dives into the challenges and rewards of growing a niche brand, including how Jim and his business partner, Kyle, built Outer Shell from the ground up. From early pr...

Ready for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and grow a business? In this debut episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz, founder of Fall Line Digital, introduces the show’s mission: to uncover the raw, behind-the-scenes truths of entrepreneurship. From marketing wins (and fails) to the lessons only learned in hindsight, Rebecca promises unscripted, real-world conversations with entrepreneurs, gro...