Andrew Youderian launched eCommerceFuel in 2013 after stints in company finance and on-line promoting. The vetted group consists of ecommerce homeowners whose companies have $1 million or extra in annual income.
He says ecommerce in 2025 has matured. “Manufacturers that adapt,” he informed me, “will survive within the subsequent 5 to seven years.”
I’m a member of eCommerceFuel. I not too long ago spoke with Andrew about his enterprise, work-life stability, and alter. The complete audio of that dialog is embedded beneath. The transcript is edited for readability and size.
Eric Bandholz: Give us a rundown on what you do.
Andrew Youderian: I run a group referred to as eCommerceFuel. We’ve about 1,000 on-line retailers whose firms have a minimum of $1 million in annual income. Our predominant actions revolve round reside occasions and a web based message board. The group helps reply area of interest ecommerce questions, providing quick, authoritative options.
I began my profession in finance, shifted to launching a couple of ecommerce companies, and, over time, constructed this group, which is now over 12 years previous.
Our progress has been deliberate. We’ve prevented sponsorships and centered on the standard of individuals locally, prioritizing bringing in trusted, high-caliber people. Solely homeowners are allowed in, and we don’t enable gross sales pitches.
We’ve all the time maintained a transparent focus. Whereas some recommend making a Slack channel, a Fb group, or utilizing apps, we’ve resisted these distractions. In case you unfold your self too skinny, you lose focus. Constructing a group requires crucial mass; it’s robust to regain when you lose it.
The principle worth individuals discover in eCommerceFuel is tactical solutions to particular issues. We attempt to offer sensible, significant recommendation whereas additionally nurturing relationships.
Bandholz: Is a community-based model comparatively extra steady in in the present day’s difficult ecommerce market?
Youderian: Sure, however we’re nonetheless dealing with challenges. Some members have left, presumably because of macroeconomic elements similar to rising prices, elevated competitors from abroad, and margin compression. It’s tougher to succeed in ecommerce than a couple of years in the past.
Wanting forward, I see smaller, sturdy manufacturers being those that thrive. These manufacturers could not develop as quick as up to now, however they’ll be extra resilient. They’ll take longer to construct, require extra creativity, and can depend upon genuine advertising and marketing and the ethos of their founders. However in the long term, these manufacturers can have extra endurance and buyer loyalty.
Manufacturers that adapt and do issues otherwise will survive the subsequent 5 to seven years. They’ll keep away from relying solely on huge tech platforms and paid acquisition, creating one thing extra useful and unbiased.
Bandholz: You’re taking a sabbatical.
Youderian: My spouse and I are taking a yr off to spend extra time with our three youngsters, particularly since our oldest is about to enter center faculty. We realized that our schedules would revolve extra round their actions as they age, so we wished to take this time for significant journey and household bonding.
We began homeschooling them, and to date we’ve spent about seven months on this journey.
Work-wise, I’ve been making an attempt to cut back my involvement to at some point per week. Turning off that entrepreneurial drive to all the time be productive has been difficult. Typically, I see the unfavourable impacts of not being as concerned — like site visitors drops or decrease income — and it’s robust to not step in. However, general, it’s been an unbelievable yr of progress, personally and as a household.
Bandholz: What’s the easiest way to construct a enterprise?
Youderian: Most entrepreneurs intention to construct, exit, and chill out however usually discover they’re not content material with doing nothing. The hot button is to create a enterprise you like and luxuriate in more often than not. Whereas all firms have tough elements, discovering one you’re enthusiastic about permits for long-term success and a satisfying life. Reaching a stability the place your small business enhances your private life — well being, relationships, and religion — is the most effective final result.
Promoting a enterprise could make sense in the event you’re prepared for a brand new problem and have monetary safety. People are wired for progress and objective. Life will all the time contain struggles, so select a significant one which justifies the hassle — whether or not working a enterprise or dealing with the problem of what comes subsequent after promoting.
Bandholz: The place can of us comply with you?
Youderian: eCommerceFuel.com. You’ll find me on LinkedIn and X. I additionally host The eCommerceFuel Podcast.