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Featured Post: My Reading & Podcast List

Here are recent books I’ve read and podcasts I enjoy. If you’re looking for something interesting to listen to or read, these are a few that have stood out to me. Let me know if you have a recommendations.

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Greg Zakowicz Greg Zakowicz

What's The Future of Agentic AI Ecosystems in Retail?

Agentic AI is no longer just a concept — it’s becoming an ecosystem. From Amazon and Walmart to Mastercard and Google, major players are racing to build AI-driven shopping environments that can search, compare, and even purchase on behalf of consumers. But with that convenience comes big questions: Who will control these ecosystems? What does it mean for smaller brands? And how will retailers adapt loyalty strategies when the “customer” might actually be an AI agent?

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Greg Zakowicz Greg Zakowicz

Ryan Trahan’s 50 States in 50 Days: Marketing Goldmine or Over-Valued Opportunity for Brands?

Ryan Trahan’s whirlwind “50 States in 50 Days” series wasn’t just about quirky Airbnbs or a $1M fundraiser for St. Jude — it doubled as a live experiment in marketing. From $5,000 donor shoutouts to $100K corporate sponsorships, everyone from families to major brands took part. But here’s the real question: did these donations actually deliver lasting value, or were they just entertaining moments in a viral summer spectacle?

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Greg Zakowicz Greg Zakowicz

Post-Purchase Email Marketing and Subject Line Examples

When it comes to post-purchase email marketing, it may just be the most underutilized yet powerful email marketing tactic there is. A strategic, well-thought-out series can help increase customer retention and help build brand loyalty and advocacy. The best part of all is that these messages are automated, generating revenue while you sleep.

Creating a series of messages designed to enhance the purchase experience is something every retailer should implement.

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Greg Zakowicz Greg Zakowicz

Trust is Currency: Capturing Every Sale in a Downturn

Overall consumer confidence may be fading but that doesn’t mean brands can’t take steps to build value and establish trust. By staying laser-focused on the customer and delivering exceptional experiences, brands can force shoppers to think twice before purchasing from other stores. Here are three simple ways brands can protect themselves from a downturn.  

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