The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast

Hosted ByTaylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin

2020 transformed the world of ecommerce forever. For the modern DTC brand, the rewards have never been greater. But the waters have also never been choppier, and the way forward has never been more uncertain. So how do you navigate this dangerous new reality? No matter how you do it, you’d better not do it alone. That’s where the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast comes in — join Common Thread Collective’s Taylor Holiday & Richard Gaffin as they bring you guiding insights from across CTC’s portfolio of growing DTC businesses. Whether you need a clear view on the macro issues affecting the world.

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The Ecommerce Playbook | How a CTC Client Unlocked 40% YoY Growth

September 16, 2025 The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast 00:40:35
The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast
The Ecommerce Playbook Podcast
The Ecommerce Playbook | How a CTC Client Unlocked 40% YoY Growth
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In this week’s episode of the Ecommerce Playbook Podcast, Luke Austin (VP of Ecommerce Strategy at CTC) sits down with Mike McVerry, SVP of Ecommerce & International Sales at Urban Armor Gear (UAG) to unpack how the brand unlocked 40% YoY revenue growth and 43% contribution margin growth in 2025 … despite a shrinking market.

Together, they break down:

  • Why “spend more to grow more” wasn’t working for UAG
  • – How the Profit System bridged the gap between finance and marketing- The role of contribution margin in setting smarter media budgets
  • – Scaling creative volume nearly 4x year over year- How to break through a “glass ceiling” of growth with financial clarity
  • – Lessons on inventory, marketing calendars, and collaboration that fueled profitabilityThis is a real-world case study in building sustainable DTC growth by aligning finance, marketing, and creative execution.

Show Notes:

  • Ready to solve your influencer strategy?

Book Your Strategy Demo at:

https://www.getsaral.com

  • Explore the Prophit System:

https://www.prophitsystem.com

The Ecommerce Playbook mailbag is open — email us at podcast@commonthreadco.com to ask us any questions you might have about the world of ecomm