#403 - Building A Family E-commerce Empire: The Rhino USA Journey with Ted Repic

AM/PM Podcast

Ever wondered how a family passion project can morph into a global e-commerce giant? Meet Ted Repic, the visionary behind Rhino USA, who, along with his sons Cameron and Dylan, took their love for the outdoors and turned it into a multiple eight-figure business. This episode unpacks their thrilling journey, from the early days of Gorilla Moto Gear to the strategic rebranding that catapulted them to success. Listen as Ted reveals the powerful combination of skills and strategies that have made Rhino USA a household name in the outdoor market.

Get ready for an inside look at the complexities and triumphs of running a family business. Ted dives deep into how each family member's unique strengths—Cameron's artistic flair and Dylan's competitive drive—fueled their growth. We'll discuss the challenges of inventory management, especially with the unpredictable nature of viral social media impacts and the stringent requirements of big-box retailers like Walmart. Ted also shares the balancing act of navigating Amazon's shifting landscape and the decision-making process behind choosing between FBA and FBM fulfillment methods.

But it doesn't stop there. Hear Ted's insights on building a strong brand identity, from investing in high-quality packaging to creating memorable unboxing experiences. Learn about the importance of authenticity in marketing, leveraging influencers, and the ever-growing impact of platforms like TikTok. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers invaluable lessons on branding, market expansion, and the art of customer engagement, all from the lens of a successful family-run business.

In episode 403 of the AM/PM Podcast, Kevin and Ted discuss:

• 00:00 - Building An Empire In The Outdoor Space
• 00:06 - Building A Global Brand Strategy
• 08:55 - Growth And Success Of The Family Business
• 10:04 - Division of Roles in Family Business
• 13:28 - Starting Over
• 19:04 - Customer Feedback and New Product Development
• 20:57 - Challenges of Forecasting and Inventory Management
• 28:48 - Lifetime Warranty and Customer Engagement
• 30:08 - Navigating Customer Service and Market Expansion
• 33:18 - Global Market for Outdoor Motorcycle Parts
• 37:03 - Creating a Strong Brand Identity
• 38:31 - Personalized Customer Service and Lifetime Warranty
• 44:10 - Customer Engagement and Brand Identity
• 45:05 - Workplace Understanding Through Hands-on Experience
• 49:51 - Identity-Based Marketing Discussion
• 49:55 - Kevin King's Words Of Wisdom