ZQ Magazine Issue 21 - Q1 2025

MAGAZINE

10 WAYS

TO FREE UP YOUR TIME & MAXIMIZE GROWTH

ZQUARED ANNUAL SUMMIT FEATURED BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

Streamline your Amazon business with strategies to protect your brand, optimize inventory, and focus on high-impact actions for sustainable growth.

ZQUARED's annual summit unites the team to reflect on past successes, align on future goals, and strengthen morale for a successful year ahead.

This issue highlights Silver Wings in Health & Household and GLC, PetCakes, and Dr. Tim's in the Pet space.

www.zquared.com

MANAGED E-COMMERCE SERVICES

ISSUE 21 | Q1 2025

Table of

CONTENTS 03 Letter from the President

18 Employee Spotlight

06 Brand Highlights

19 Join Our Team

10 Informational Resources

20 ZQ 101

14 News & Announcements

24 Get in Touch

President Jeff Bush shares vision for ZQUARED and sets the trajectory for the upcoming months

For Q1 of 2025, we’re proud to highlight: Silverwings, GLC, PetCakes, and DrTim’s Aquatics

Dive into a variety of topics available on our blog and check out the features from this Issue

Learn about the latest happenings, hires, and events at ZQUARED headquarters

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Check out this Issue’s featured employee and what the team has to say about them

Become part of a team with a trajectory for growth and a fantastic community and culture

Learn about who we are, what we’re about, where we’ve been and where we’re headed

Connect with us on our social platforms, or reach out and start a conversation about your goals

Letter from the

PRESIDENT As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2025, ZQUARED continues to grow and evolve, strengthening our capabilities and refining how we support our partners. I’m excited to share a few key updates that highlight our progress.

We recently launched our redesigned website, making it easier to showcase our expertise, connect with brand partners, and communicate the value we bring. This update isn’t just about a new look—it’s about better alignment with our mission and the services we provide.

At the same time, our team continues to expand. We’re adding specialists across brand management, content, and advertising, enhancing our ability to help brands navigate the increasing complexities of e-commerce.

Looking ahead, we’re evaluating additional space to expand our brand fulfillment and 3PL offerings to better meet the growing needs of our partners. As we scale, our focus remains on optimizing our operations and ensuring we deliver the right solutions at the right time.

With all of this progress, one thing remains constant—our dedication to our partners, our team, and the long-term success we’re building together.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Here’s to another season of steady growth and new opportunities!

Jeff Bush

Jeff Bush

President, ZQUARED

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OUR BRA 4

ANDS 5

Brand

HIGHLIGHTS Silver Wings

Silver Wings is a leading authority and the oldest colloidal silver manufacturer in the U.S. It is proudly family-owned and operated.

Health & Household

GLC GLC formulates remarkable joint care products for equines and canines supported by research, science, independent clinical studies, and patents.

Pet 6

PetCakes

Ciao Bella, the official taste tester and mascot of PetCakes, is a Jack Russell-Italian Greyhound mix who loves snacks.

Pet

DrTim’s Aquatics DrTim’s Aquatics delivers sciencebacked solutions for healthier, thriving aquariums with innovative, eco-friendly water care products.

Pet 7

INFORMA RESOU 8

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ATIONAL URCES 9

ZQUARED INFORMAT MORE TO EXPLORE ON THE ZQUARD BLOG A Glimpse into the Retail Landscape of 2029 The retail industry, continuously in flux, is poised for significant transformations in the next five years. Industry leaders predict a landscape shaped by seamless tech integration, evolving consumer preferences, and a redefinition of what constitutes the "store" experience....

Is Walmart Worth it?

If you sell online, you are always looking for new ways to reach customers and improve your competitive edge.

While Amazon undoubtedly offers the most global exposure, you might also hear rumblings of an old face with a new look shaking up the e-commerce landscape: Walmart. Although Walmart made...

10 WAYS TO FREE UP YOUR TIME & MAXIMIZE AMAZON GROWTH March 2025

Do you feel like you’re always chasing your tail and fighting fires when it comes to your Amazon business? You’re not alone. Many sellers find themselves caught in an endless cycle of policy updates, listing optimizations, and inventory juggling. But here's the truth: success on Amazon isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most.

In this guide, we'll explore how to transform your Amazon business into a streamlined operation. Let's break down the essential strategies that will help you build a sustainable, profitable presence on the world's largest marketplace.

1. The Foundation: Protect Your Brand

Making the Most of Social Commerce If you are an ecommerce business owner and looking to expand your audience, utilizing social media is a must. The fast-growing trend of “social shopping” allows consumers to shop the products they love directly via social media.

The experience is designed to be...

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Your brand is your most valuable asset on Amazon, and protecting it should be your top priority. If you haven’t already, consider enrolling in Amazon Brand Registry. Think of Amazon Brand Registry as your brand's security system—it's not just another task on your to-do list, it's your first line of defense against unauthorized sellers and listing hijackers.

Brand Registry helps prevent third parties from altering listings, and it allows you to easily report counterfeiters and unauthorized sellers violating Amazon's policies directly through the platform. You’ll also gain access to essential tools like A+ Content and Amazon Brand Store, which can increase conversions and provide customer insights.

2. Get Control of Distribution

It’s a story we hear over and over again. You built a successful product, carefully crafted your listings, and optimized your pricing strategy. Then, an army of unauthorized sellers appear on Amazon, undercutting your prices and damaging your brand reputation.

Brands who have achieved significant offline success are often burdened by the presence of unauthorized sellers on Amazon.

Continue Reading

TIONAL RESOURCES LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE? Boosting Productivity and Time Management

Explore the categories below to search the ZQUARED blog for additional resources, news, and information

Stay focused and get more done with these simple productivity strategies. These tips will help you prioritize tasks, minimize distractions, and maintain your energy throughout the day.

All Posts In the News

Time Blocking: Schedule dedicated time blocks for focused work without interruptions.

This helps you concentrate better and complete tasks more efficiently.

Case Studies Amazon

Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks first to make the most impact. Use a to-do list to stay organized and keep track of your progress.

Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks, like emails or administrative work, to avoid constant context-switching. This streamlines your workflow and saves time.

Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals to stay focused and motivated. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps for better productivity.

Limit Multitasking: Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency and work quality. Multitasking divides your attention and reduces productivity, so prioritize completing one task before moving to the next.

Take Regular Breaks: Short breaks help maintain your energy and focus throughout the day. Use techniques like the Pomodoro method to balance work and rest.

Small businesses employ 59 million Americans, which is 45.9% of all private-sector employees.

BUSINESS FACTS

The Pomodoro Method Work for 25 Minutes Set a timer and work on a single task without any interruption Take a 5-Minute Break After 25 minutes, take a short break to rest your mind.

Repeat After four Pomodoros, take a longer break (15-30 minutes) to recharge.

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ZQ COMM 12

MUNITY 13

ZQ NEWS & New Hires Noah McRee Brand Manager

Noah brings extensive experienc e in managing ecommerce brands. His passion for brand strategy and insightful approach set him apa rt. With a talent for crafting and executing effective strategies, Noah combines strategic thinking with a commitment to driving brand growth.

Emma Thrasher

Brand Engagement Strategist

Emma brings a wealth of expe rience in Amazon Seller content and management, mak ing her a fantastic addition to our team. Beyond her professional expertise, Emma’s enthusiasm for growth and development align perfectly with our culture and values.

Welcome to the team!

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& Announcements Happy ZQUARED Anniversary Name

Anniversary Month

Years at ZQUARED

Justin Stragliati

February

5

Holly Johnston

March

3

Eric Wohlstadter

March

1

Charlie Meyer

March

15

Hannah Hicks

March

1

Kurt Kehoe

March

4

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ZQ NEWS & ed website is here!

ZQUARED’s redesign site to learn more Explore the updated hat we do, and about who we are, w grow through how we help brands management. rm fo at pl ce er m m co e-

VISI T WWW.ZQUARED.COM

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& Announcements 2024 ANNUAL SUMMIT

At the ZQUARED Annual Summit, our team comes together to reflect on last year’s successes and set strategic goals for the upcoming year. By aligning our vision and strengthening team collaboration, we ensure we’re fully equipped to drive growth and deliver exceptional results for our brand partners.

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Employee

SPOTLIGHT MELANIE DEMAURO

As Senior Brand Content Manager, Melanie leads content creation and strategy, developing impactful campaigns and optimizing branded content. She’s particularly proud of the content team’s work, including the optimization of nearly 1,200 listings.

Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and sons, traveling, attending sporting events, and enjoying the outdoors.

Joined the Team

Role at ZQUARED

Passions & Hobbies

2015

Senior Brand Content Manager

Family, travel, spending time outdoors

What the team has to say about Melanie...

Mel listens and cares about her team and is always uplifting us!

- Holly Johnston

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Melanie is so great to work with! She is encouraging, always readily available to answer questions, and willing to help.

– Carrie Goldsmith

OUR CULTURE ZQUARED's roots as a familyoriented company run deep. Our "we-not-me" team works together to achieve common goals while supporting one another individually, both professionally and personally.

OUR COMPANY A united team is always behind something big. We work hard, laugh a lot, push the boundaries, and strive for continual growth both personally and professionally. And we have the best holiday parties in town!

Join Our

TEAM If you’re looking for a work environment that offers a great work/life balance, a trajectory for growth, and a fantastic community & culture, ZQUARED may be your perfect fit! Visit our website to check out our openenings.

SEARCH OPEN POSITIONS

I have been with ZQUARED for 9 years. I truly love my job and the people I work with. It’s a great company that cares about their employees and their clients.

Melanie Demauro

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ZQ101 zquared [skwerd] noun ZQUARED invests in brands who sell on online marketplaces and are poised and ready for accelerated growth.

YOU GROW, WE GROW Built on the belief that all boats rise with the tide, our services are based on this principle. ZQUARED invests time, money, effort, and energy into brands poised for success with the expectation of a worthwhile resultbecause we go all-in, growing together and winning when you win.

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WE-COMMERCE

Putting the "we" in e-commerce.

At ZQUARED, we understand the opportunities, risks, and challenges of selling online. With over 50 years of combined e-commerce sales experience, our primary goal is helping you multiply your success by serving as an extension of your team to maximize results. From distribution to advertising strategies, we have solutions proven to grow your brand.

TOP

100 SELLER

85k+ REVIEWS

100%

POSITIVE RATING

OUR MISSION Our mission is to invest in brands who sell on online marketplaces and are poised and ready for growth by forming partnerships built on trust and rooted in relationship to maximize value and achieve results.

Our

VALUES UNPARALLELED CULTURE At ZQUARED, we foster an authentic environment focused on business and personal growth. Our culture is built on trust, excellent communication, and a team-oriented mindset.

FIRST-RATE EXECUTION We are committed to providing unmatched quality for our Brand Partners by being proactive, prepared, and constantly pursuing improvement.

Our team works with clear intent and high standards, united towards common goals and shared success.

ENTHUSIASM We intentionally invest in people and brands who share our drive and enthusiasm. We are excited about partnering with our brands, and they are excited about partnering with us.

DOUBLE EVERY TWO YEARS We are laser-focused on advancement both personally and professionally, aiming to double our numbers every two years. As ZQUARED grows, our employees grow alongside it, focusing on mutual success.

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OUR STO

2010

ZQ Beginnings

2011 First Hire

2010 Brothers and co-founders Chad and Zach initiate the evolution of ZQUARED in Chad’s basement

ZQUARED makes its first hire

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e

ZQUARED has moved three times since Chad's basement, doubling its footprint with each move and growing to a staff of 40+

ZQ Doubles Footprint

we

2014

2014

w here

2011

b

ee

2019

n

Inc. recognizes ZQUARED as one of the fastest growing privately-held companies in the United States & the St. Louis Business Journal names ZQUARED on it's "Fast 50" list

2021 ZQUARED hires Jeff Bush as President

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2019

ZQ Recognized for Growth

2021 ZQ Hires President

2024

at ’re we re he

R ORY

w

ZQUARED sets a trajectory for record growth, with multiple new key hires, plans for new service offerings and a projection forecasting our highest revenue number to date

t

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fu

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re

THE FUTURE

With our commitment to embracing change, seizing new opportunities, and preserving excellence, the future at ZQUARED is positioned for continued success

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ISSUE 21

Learn about us www.zquared.com Talk to us partners@zquared.com Visit us 130 Trade Center Dr W, Saint Peters, MO Follow us @zquared

Q1 2025