Dos Marcos

How do mattress retailers reclaim their position as experts in their marketplace? Jeff Giagnocavo's new book has answers and action items. Jeff is the owner of Gardner's Mattress & More in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He's authored a new book called 7 Habits of Super Successful Mattress Retailers. It's a short book designed to be read in about an hour and put into action immediately. Jeff says mattress retailers can begin leveraging the habits outlined in the book to create the type of business they love owning.  The book also introduces the opportunity for mattress retailers to join the National Association of Sleep Better Specialists. Jeff said the goal of the association is for retailers to build and maintain their own 5-Star Authority Platform. Click here to get the book.  A special thanks to Jeff for putting so much energy and innovation into the mattress industry.  Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for independent ret

Luis Lopez started his furniture and mattress business from an 8x8 booth at a swap meet outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Over time, he quadrupled his booth space and built up a loyal customer base. One day, his friend watched (mouth wide open) as Luis wrote a $10,000 ticket.  By the way, Luis didn't start speaking English until he was 18 years old. And while he was getting his furniture business started he was a server at Golden Corral, a salesperson at a furniture store, and was an estimator for a construction company. Since those humble beginnings at the swap meet, Lopez Furniture has expanded to three stores, is launching a new location in Las Vegas, and now employs most of his family.  Thanks to our sponsor Doorcounts for getting us connected to Luis. Be sure to listen to the story about how Mrs. Lopez, Luis' mom, reacted when they got rid of paper tracking and adopted Doorcounts.  Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for inde

In part one with Andrew Gross, we talked to the bedding veteran about the best business book you've never read. It's called New Lanchester Strategy. Gross introduced us to a framework for how to think about market competition. In part two, Andrew discusses how to apply the principles of warfare to gain market share.  How do you operate if you're the dominant market player? Well, it's different than how you approach gaining market if you're a smaller business. Whether you're number three or number one, Andrew outlines strategies for taking bigger pieces of the pie. Here's a hint for smaller players: beat up on everyone who is smaller than you. About Andrew Gross Andrew held an EVP position at SSB and was a board member and SVP of marketing for Serta. During his time at Serta, the brand moved from #3 to #1 while doubling EBITDA. He and his team introduced iComfort gel-memory foam, widely considered the most successful new product in category history and ultimately a profitable $500MM+ franchise. Nationwide

Andrew Gross is a battled tested bedding veteran who held an EVP position at SSB and was a board member and SVP of marketing for Serta. During his time at Serta, the brand moved from #3 to #1 while doubling EBITDA. He and his team introduced iComfort gel-memory foam, widely considered the most successful new product in category history and ultimately a profitable $500MM+ franchise. When Andrew told us about the best business book most people haven't read—one he's used for years—we perked up. The New Lanchester Strategy introduces a framework for how to think about market competition. In this episode Andrew walks us through the three principles of Lanchester strategy and brings the topic to life with examples from the mattress business.  Be sure to subscribe and tune in for part two where Andrew talks about the future of the mattress business and how to apply Lanchester strategy.  Doorcounts [Our NEW Sponsor] Join us in welcoming our new sponsor, Doorcounts! Foot traffic is expensive. Do you know wha

Rob Stott hosts the Independent Thinking podcast, brought to you by Nationwide Marketing Group. In this episode, Rob turns the microphones around on Dos Marcos to get their thoughts on astronauts, post-COVID business recovery, and the future of retail.  Be sure to subscribe to the Independent Thinking podcast on iTunes, or wherever you get your audio fix. It's packed with great content dedicated to helping independent retailers thrive.  Thanks so much to Rob for having us on the show! Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for independent retailers. For Dos Marcos listeners seeking expert advice as they navigate the changing environment, we have an email address for you to use: help@nationwidegroup.org. Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a member of Nationwide Marketing group, you instantly have access to over 200+ ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded advocates who are dedicated to helping your business thr

As the mattress galaxy continues to shift, Sealy retakes the number one spot on Furniture Today's list of top mattress manufacturers.  According to Furniture Today, "Serta suffered an estimated 20% decline in shipments, which dropped to $1.205 billion, and it dropped to the No. 3 spot on the list." The Top 20 includes: 1. Sealy 2. Simmons & Beautyrest 3. Serta 4. Tempur-pedic 5. Sleep Number 6. Ashley Furniture Industries 7. Corsicana 8. Therapedic 9. Sherwood 10. Symbol 11. Restonic 12. E.S. Kluft 13. Englander 14. Kingsdown 15. King Koil 16. Spring Air 17. Southerland 18. Classic Brands 19. Boyd 20. Diamond Dos Marcos talk through factors contributing to Sealy taking the top of the hill. They guys also dig expected attendance for summer Las Vegas Market.  Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for independent retailers. For Dos Marcos listeners seeking expert advice as they navigate the changing environment, we have an email addres

David Sax is a journalist and author whose written for the New York Times and Business Week. In his fourth book, The Soul of an Entrepreneur, "the award-winning business writer dismantles the myths of entrepreneurship, replacing them with an essential story about the experience of real business owners in the modern economy." In this episode, David introduces the core question: Why am I doing this?  In true Dos Marcos fashion, we also talk about pee stained mattresses, braided chest hair, and leopard print chairs. If you're going to buy David's book—and you should—purchase from a local retailer, or from Bookshop.org, which supports independent stores by providing a global online presence.  Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for independent retailers. For Dos Marcos listeners seeking expert advice as they navigate the changing environment, we have an email address for you to use: help@nationwidegroup.org. Thank you to our headline spons

Losing a loved one is incredibly painful.  Unfortunately, Mark Quinn lost his mother last week. Dee Quinn was a magical lady who was full of love and incredibly positive. She cared deeply for her family and friends and that love was on display during services that celebrated Dee's life.  In this personal episode, Dos Marcos talk about why connections matters so much and how thankful Quinn is to all those who've sent love and prayers his way.  Nationwide Help Center Nationwide has launched a BACK TO BUSINESS HUB packed with useful information for independent retailers. For Dos Marcos listeners seeking expert advice as they navigate the changing environment, we have an email address for you to use: help@nationwidegroup.org. Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a member of Nationwide Marketing group, you instantly have access to over 200+ ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded advocates who are dedicated to helping your business thrive. Nationwide serves more than 5,50

This one is so good, we unlocked the vault and brought it back for a replay.  In this Season 5 kick-off to 2020, Dos Marcos sit down with Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas. He wears a yellow tuxedo. His players dance and go on dates during games. Parking penguins. Grandma beauty pageants. A breakdancing first base coach. It's all part of the Savannah Bananas "Fans First" experience. Jesse shares his family's amazing story and delivers a clear message: if businesses aren't different they won't exist. Get a notepad handy and listen to how Jesse and his wife Emily turned a floundering baseball team into a sold out spectacle. Discover lessons you can apply in your business. And find out how Fans First U is helping businesses deliver remarkable experiences. More highlights include: Listen carefully, respond creatively. Why the Savannah Bananas send fans a playlist to listen to on the way to the ballpark. If you were to charge admission, how would you change the experience? Looking at your custo

"Tremendous carnage, fallout, damage done to the industry. And it will really be a resurrection—and hopefully a portal to that new digital landscape we've been talking about for 20 years."  Futurist Doug Stephens is working on a new book: Resurrecting Retail: The Future of Business in a Post-Pandemic World. We didn't want our audience to have to wait on the book, so we invited Doug on the show to give us near-term and long-term perspective on the post-pandemic world.  In this episode, Doug predicts how retail will evolve. He's not focusing on waves, but paying attention to riptides and undercurrents that can kill a business.  As e-commerce grows, physical stores must change, Doug says. Media is becoming the store. And stores may become more like media outlets. This new store model may work similar to how companies buy TV ads—their media buy places ads on stations that attract their target audience.  Brands will find physical outlets that deliver the best in-store experiences and pay t

A sumo wrestler doing a Michael Jordan dunk. That's the cover of Jon Spoelstra's book: Marketing Outrageously REDUX.  Dos Marcos have both read the book, used its insights, and had it on their shelves for years. It was an honor having on the show the former General Manager of the Portland Trailblazers, President of the New York Nets, and renowned author. He's famous for using a rubber chickens in his marketing and Spoelstra has gems of wisdom to pass along to any business owner.  We talk mattress shopping and tires, how to use Jon's 90-day theory to improve your career, and the most important question you can ask yourself in business.  Find out more about Jon and connect with him at JonSpoelstra.com. NATIONWIDE HELP CENTER Nationwide has launched a full section on their website dedicated to helping retailers: Coronavirus Resource and Best Practices for Independent Retailers.  For Dos Marcos listeners seeking expert advice as they navigate government programs and coronavirus assistance, we

Let's start in San Francisco where Michael Magnuson, CEO of  GoodBed.com, found himself under a shelter in place mandate. He wrote a catchy song and rallied his family to make a music video. That led to a song number two, a country diddy called "Stay at Home."  Artwork has flowed from paint brushes. Landscaping projects in backyards across the world have blossomed to life. Kids are cooking for their parents. Tik-Tok is exploding with dance routines. Co-workers are collaborating on new ideas. Behind the scenes, Dos Marcos have written thousands of words they hope will help retailers. The creativity seems unprecedented.  In this episode, we dive into examples of creativity and what it could mean for the mattress industry. If you're not an out-of-the-box thinker, you'll get tips on how to hold a fun brainstorm and apply those ideas to your business.  NATIONWIDE HELP CENTER Nationwide has launched a full section on their website dedicated to helping retailers: Coronavirus Resource and Bes

First of all, thanks to Jeff Scheuer, America's Beducator and owner of Mattress to Go, for the face masks—err, sleep masks (dual-purpose).  On this episode, we talk about how mattress retailers are evolving. The "appointment" model is taking hold. Doorstep delivery is now a thing. There's talk about protective equipment to cover each mattress during rest tests.  For those with a cart feature on their websites, ecommerce selling is becoming common place. We're seeing tremors of change, but what will stick? Where should retailers focus to set themselves up for the comeback?  Dos Marcos also talk about this—on the backside of returning to the new normal, what messages will resonate with consumers? How do you position the mattress as a solution to problems consumers are facing amidst the coronavirus outbreak?  NATIONWIDE HELP CENTER Nationwide has launched a full section on their website dedicated to helping retailers: Coronavirus Resource and Best Practices for Independent Retailers.  Fo

As a boy, James Perez's father drove a flat bed pick up door-to-door selling mattress. James road shotgun and gleaned countless lessons from his old man. Like the time as a teen when James wasn't getting sales for his lawn mowing business. I told dad, "I need a different neighborhood. Nobody's buying." His dad used that challenge to teach his son how to bring his personal story to life and bring people into the purpose behind your business. James tells the story about meeting Paul Stork for the first time. Paul is one of the original founders of Mattress Firm. James said he was told "no" about 30 times before he was able to secure a Mattress Firm franchise.   Given the crazy conditions retailers are navigating, James takes us behind the scenes on how he's dealing with the coronavirus fallout. You won't want to miss the story at the 25-minute mark about how partnerships are helping him persevere.  James also says, for him, mattress retail is going to become a serious business. Stores need to be

A scary trend has emerged. Business leaders are navigating uncertainty and searching for help. They're asking friends and family for advice. Or seeking answers from other business owners. They're often getting incorrect information that's potentially damaging.  As you navigate government programs to keep your business alive, you need expert guidance. Not hearsay.  In this episode Mike Whitaker with Nationwide takes listeners through the expert resources Nationwide Marketing Group has put together. This bank of vetted, credible resources and guidance is available to all retailers. Not just Nationwide members. You can access information about the Payroll Protection Program, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and much more.  Also, for Dos Marcos listeners seeking specific advice, we have an email address for you to use: help@nationwidegroup.org.  Send an email to that address, give the team about 24 hours, and help will be on the way. Expert guidance, not misinformation that could

Many mattress stores are closed, or at a minimum, adjusting business practices to comply with social distancing and shelter-in-place mandates.  As a mattress retailer, what should you be doing right now? How should you invest your time? Jennifer Danko is the Vice President of Technology for Nationwide Marketing Group and the founder of Site on Time.  Jennifer has tips on how to invest your time and where to place your focus: live chat and selling online are the two biggies.  Beyond setting up live chat to engage with customers on your site and getting your website ready to sell, Jennifer provides some valuable insights on how Google and other search engines are showing local search results. There are steps retailers can take to be visible when local customers search for products. Be sure to listen to the tips on Google Shopping and how it can impact your business.  Nationwide has launched a section on their website dedicated to helping retailers: Coronavirus Resource and Best Practices for

Responses to the coronavirus pandemic are widespread. Mattress factories are shutting down. Retailers have closed stores. Some suppliers are stopping production on raw materials.  In this episode, Dos Marcos talk about the responses from the mattress industry. We're working to keep the you connected and informed during this difficult time.  To keep tabs on what's happening with members, Nationwide Marketing Group gathered survey results from 633 respondents. Here are some highlights 42% reduced store hours 97% are doing more to be sanitary 74% plan to rehire all their staff once they're able Also, Nationwide has launched a section on their website dedicated to helping retailers: Coronavirus Resource and Best Practices for Independent Retailers.   Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a member of Nationwide Marketing group, you instantly have access to over 200+ ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded advocates who are dedicated to helping your business thrive. Na

The city of San Francisco has been on lockdown for more than a week. Non-essential businesses are closed. The tech capital has implemented a mandated work from home policy. Many people in the service industry have already lost their jobs.  Residents are adjusting to a new reality that allows dog walking and ordering takeout food, but doesn't allow going to a hair salon or playing frisbee.   Living inside the unprecedented shelter in place mandate is Goodbed.com founder and CEO Michael Magnuson. Find out what's it like for Magnuson, his wife, and two kids to adapt to the citywide lockdown.  Also, you'll get Mike's perspective on where mattress retailers can focus their time and attention during the coronavirus pandemic. On a side note, the lockdown has produced countless examples of creativity and kindness. One such example is an original song Magnuson produced. Don't be afraid to get up and dance to Shelter in Place.  Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a

Coronavirus concerns are crippling the global economy and causing major disruptions in business.  We can't choose the circumstances, but we can choose how we respond. So, what are some positive steps you can take in an environment filled with uncertainty? Jeff Rose from Nationwide Marketing Group joined Dos Marcos to talk about how they're serving members and responding to the conditions the coronavirus is creating.  Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a member of Nationwide Marketing group, you instantly have access to over 200+ ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded advocates who are dedicated to helping your business thrive. Nationwide serves more than 5,500 independent retail members with tools, resources, training, and technology to help their businesses grow. Also, thanks to our sponsor, PureCare. PureCare designs essential elements necessary to create a healthy sleep environment. PureCare manufactures the official mattress and pillow protectors of both t

The International Sleep Products Association cancelled ISPA Expo 2020 due to reduced attendance stemming from coronavirus concerns. What does the fear and uncertainty mean for those in the mattress business?  Meanwhile, Art Van is facing its own form of sickness. The retailer has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  Thank you to our headline sponsor Nationwide Marketing Group. As a member of Nationwide Marketing group, you instantly have access to over 200+ ambitious, entrepreneurial-minded advocates who are dedicated to helping your business thrive. Nationwide serves more than 5,500 independent retail members with tools, resources, training, and technology to help their businesses grow. Also, thanks to our sponsor, PureCare. PureCare designs essential elements necessary to create a healthy sleep environment. PureCare manufactures the official mattress and pillow protectors of both the National Sleep Foundation  and the Woman’s Choice Award. Watch the live video of most episodes at