Dos Marcos

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

Over the past few weeks, Mark and Mark have spoken to dozens of mattress store owners.  They noticed two major themes: Finding good employees is tough. Developing employees into leaders is difficult.  With those challenges in mind, Dos Marcos outlined a playbook for attracting good employees, creating a winning culture, and developing leadership in your organization.  Begin with why. Become a magnet for good people.  Use the quadrant of development for training employees.  Create organizational pillars.  Think big. Be consistent over time.  Repeat. 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,&n

Mattress Mack took the stage at Nationwide's Primetime event in Houston, Texas. He told stories about meeting Donald Trump, being relevant in the age of mobile phones, and praying with customers in their homes. Dos Marcos reflected on Jim McIngvale's words of wisdom and warning to those in the room.  Here are notes from Mack's session:  Above all else, customers want convenience. How do I turn those customers who like what we’re doing in the community into buying customers? Would the customer miss you if your store went out of business? Average income in a 5-mile radius of Gallery Furniture is $26,000. Decided to start an accredited high school, trade school, and a free child care program for employees. When his beloved Houston Astros went to the World Series, Mack placed one of the largest monetary bets on a single team in sports history. During that process he spent time with the employees from Bleacher Report and Draft Kings. He noticed their phone is their office. Bleacher Report’s oldest employ

Dos Marcos made their second appearance on stage at Nationwide's Primetime event. There was a bigfoot DJ, Chad Fischer wrangling the beast, all-white clothing, rapping, and two giant gold chains.  All that happened before the speech officially started.  A HUGE thanks to the amazing team at Nationwide, Astronaut Mike Massimino, Mattress Mac, all the Nationwide members who welcomed us, Harry Roberts for the pre-speech pep talk, and Grant Webb for the fabulous music.  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

Casper announced plans to take the company public. Shortly after the D2C mattress company released its S-1 the projected valuation dropped. And dropped again. With opening share prices at $12, the value of the the self-proclaimed "unicorn" was slashed to less than $500 million. The investment community appears to be questioning the viability of a company that is projected to lose more than $90 and has limited hope for a profitable future. They've also noted how Casper doesn't produce its own products.  Dos Marcos break down the big news and talk about how, no matter what happens, Casper has permanently changed the mattress industry.  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 busin

Tempur+Sealy International recently announced it would purchase 80% of Sherwood, a mattress manufacturer focused on the private label programs and a large supplier to Mattress Firm. Quinn and Kinsley break down the news and talk about what it means for TSI, Sherwood, and the industry.  On the heels of a wild Las Vegas Market, Kinsley tells the story of Englander's 47-foot banner that was banned. What did it say and why was it banned? What message ended up hanging from the building? Tune in to find out.  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

BOPIS is going to impact your business. What does it stand for and how can you take advantage of this top retail trend? Also, what might the second-hand market do to the furniture business?  Dos Marcos break it down and tell you about other retail trends trickling toward sleep shops and the furniture industry.  What trends are you seeing? Tell us in the comments at MattressPodcast.com or on our Facebook page.  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 bot

You're heading to Las Vegas Market and hoping to get the most out of the experience. We get it.  Mark and Mark deliver some tips on getting around, having fun, and gaining an edge for your business.  Be sure to join us for the Dos Marcos Listeners Meet Up.  Click here to RSVP.  Dos Marcos Listeners Meet Up When: 3:30 p.m., Monday Jan. 27, 2020 Where: C1596, Englander's Showroom What: Hang out, have fun, drinks on Englander 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 pro

Consumer Reports tested and compared a $249 AmazonBasics mattress to a Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze. The AmazonBasics won. How does this happen? What does it mean for the mattress industry and for consumers?  Is there a flaw in Consumer Reports' testing protocol? Is it wrong to tell people which bed will best conform to their bodies when comfort is subjective?  To us, it appears Consumer Reports is testing one specific measure, and not taking a wholistic view of mattress support, comfort, motion transfer, and overall performance.  Tell us what you think in the comments at MattressPodcast.com. 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,&n

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 customers as fans. We also talk about: Magic Castle Hotel's popsicle hotlin

In this year end episode, Dos Marcos reflect on some of their favorite moments and lessons learned.  They talk about setting goals and how to make them manageable.  We are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for listening to the show, sending us messages, sharing our podcast with colleagues, and making this a great industry. You are amazing.  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