ZQ Magazine Issue 21 - Q1 2025

Page 1


ZQUARED'sannualsummit unitestheteamtoreflecton pastsuccesses,alignon futuregoals,and strengthenmoralefora successfulyearahead. ThisissuehighlightsSilver WingsinHealth& HouseholdandGLC, PetCakes,andDr.Tim's inthePetspace. StreamlineyourAmazon businesswithstrategiesto protectyourbrand,optimize inventory,andfocuson high-impactactionsfor sustainablegrowth. www.zquared.com

LetterfromthePresident

PresidentJeffBushsharesvisionfor ZQUAREDandsetsthetrajectoryfor theupcomingmonths

BrandHighlights

ForQ1of2025,we’reproudto highlight:Silverwings,GLC, PetCakes,andDrTim’sAquatics

InformationalResources

Diveintoavarietyoftopics availableonourblogandcheck outthefeaturesfromthisIssue

News&Announcements

Learnaboutthelatesthappenings, hires,andeventsatZQUARED headquarters

CheckoutthisIssue’sfeatured employeeandwhattheteamhas tosayaboutthem Becomepartofateamwitha trajectoryforgrowthanda fantasticcommunityandculture Learnaboutwhoweare,what we’reabout,wherewe’vebeenand wherewe’reheaded Connectwithusonoursocial platforms,orreachoutandstarta conversationaboutyourgoals

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!

OURBRA

ANDS

HIGHLIGHTS Brand

SilverWings

SilverWingsisaleadingauthority andtheoldestcolloidalsilver manufacturerintheU.S.Itisproudly family-ownedandoperated.

Health & Household

GLC

GLCformulatesremarkablejoint careproductsforequinesand caninessupportedbyresearch, science,independentclinical studies,andpatents.

PetCakes

CiaoBella,theofficialtastetester andmascotofPetCakes,isa JackRussell-ItalianGreyhound mixwholovessnacks.

DrTim’sAquatics

DrTim’sAquaticsdeliverssciencebackedsolutionsforhealthier, thrivingaquariumswithinnovative, eco-friendlywatercareproducts.

INFORMA RESOU

ATIONAL URCES

MORETOEXPLOREON THEZQUARDBLOG

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

IsWalmart Worthit?

If you sell online, you are always looking for new ways to reach customers and improve your competitive edge While Amazon undoubtedly offers the

10 WAYS TO FREE UP YOUR TIME & MAXIMIZE AMAZON GROWTH

March 2025 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

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

Makingthe MostofSocial 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

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.

I O N A L R E S O U R C E S

LOOKINGFOR SOMETHINGELSE?

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

Management

Stayfocusedandgetmoredonewiththese simpleproductivitystrategies Thesetipswill helpyouprioritizetasks,minimizedistractions, andmaintainyourenergythroughouttheday

TimeBlocking:Schedulededicatedtime blocksforfocusedworkwithoutinterruptions. Thishelpsyouconcentratebetterand completetasksmoreefficiently.

PrioritizeTasks:Focusonhigh-prioritytasks firsttomakethemostimpact Useato-dolist tostayorganizedandkeeptrackofyour progress

BatchSimilarTasks:Groupsimilartasks,like emailsoradministrativework,toavoid constantcontext-switching Thisstreamlines yourworkflowandsavestime.

SetClearGoals:Definespecific,achievable goalstostayfocusedandmotivated.Break largertasksintosmaller,manageablestepsfor betterproductivity.

LimitMultitasking:Focusononetaskat atimetoimproveefficiencyandwork quality.Multitaskingdividesyour attentionandreducesproductivity,so prioritizecompletingonetaskbefore movingtothenext.

TakeRegularBreaks:Shortbreakshelp maintainyourenergyandfocus throughouttheday.Usetechniqueslike thePomodoromethodtobalancework andrest.

Amazon

Smallbusinessesemploy59 millionAmericans,whichis 45.9%ofallprivate-sector employees.

BUSINESS FACTS

ThePomodoroMethod

Workfor25Minutes Setatimerandworkonasingle taskwithoutanyinterruption

Takea5-MinuteBreak After25minutes,takea shortbreaktorestyour mind.

Repeat AfterfourPomodoros,take alongerbreak(15-30 minutes)torecharge

New Hires

NoahMcRee BrandManager

Noahbringsextensiveexperienceinmanagingecommercebrands Hispassionforbrandstrategyandinsightfulapproachsethimapart Withatalentforcraftingandexecutingeffectivestrategies,Noah combinesstrategicthinkingwithacommitmentto drivingbrandgrowth

EmmaThrasher BrandEngagementStrategist

EmmabringsawealthofexperienceinAmazonSeller contentandmanagement,makingherafantastic additiontoourteam Beyondherprofessional expertise,Emma’senthusiasmforgrowthand developmentalignperfectlywithourcultureand

Announcements &

HappyZQUARED

Anniversary

Name

JustinStragliati

HollyJohnston

EricWohlstadter

CharlieMeyer

HannahHicks KurtKehoe

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.

SPOTLIGHT Employee

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.

Melanieissogreattoworkwith!She isencouraging,alwaysreadily availabletoanswerquestions,and willingtohelp.

OURCULTURE

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.

TEAM Join Our OURCOMPANY

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!

Ifyou’relookingforaworkenvironment thatoffersagreatwork/lifebalance,a trajectoryforgrowth,andafantastic community&culture,ZQUAREDmaybe yourperfectfit!Visitourwebsitetocheck outouropenenings.

SEARCHOPENPOSITIONS

IhavebeenwithZQUAREDfor9years.ItrulylovemyjobandthepeopleIwork with.It’sagreatcompanythatcaresabouttheiremployeesandtheirclients.

zquared

[skwerd] noun

ZQUARED invests in brands who sell on online marketplaces and are poised and ready for accelerated growth.

WE-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 Putting the "we" in

YOUGROW,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

OURMISSION

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.

VALUES Our

UNPARALLELEDCULTURE

AtZQUARED,wefosteranauthenticenvironment focusedonbusinessandpersonalgrowth.Our cultureisbuiltontrust,excellentcommunication, andateam-orientedmindset.

FIRST-RATEEXECUTION

Wearecommittedtoprovidingunmatched qualityforourBrandPartnersbybeingproactive, prepared,andconstantlypursuingimprovement. Ourteamworkswithclearintentandhigh standards,unitedtowardscommongoalsand sharedsuccess.

ENTHUSIASM

Weintentionallyinvestinpeopleandbrandswho shareourdriveandenthusiasm.Weareexcited aboutpartneringwithourbrands,andtheyare excitedaboutpartneringwithus.

DOUBLEEVERYTWOYEARS

Wearelaser-focusedonadvancementboth personallyandprofessionally,aimingtodouble ournumberseverytwoyears.AsZQUAREDgrows, ouremployeesgrowalongsideit,focusingon mutualsuccess.

ZQBeginnings

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

2011

ZQUARED makes its first hire

2014

ZQDoubles Footprint

2019

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

ZQUARED has moved three times since Chad's basement, doubling its footprint with each move and growing to a staff of 40+ 2021

ZQUARED hires Jeff Bush as President

ZQRecognized

RORY wherewe’ re at

2024 2024

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

thefuture

THEFUTURE

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

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.