ZQ Magazine Issue 22

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Thisyear’srallybroughtthe teamtogetheratTopgolf Chesterfieldforfun, connection,andafresh doseofunityoutsidethe office. ThisissuehighlightsFresh EggsDailyandThorneVetin Pet,GOOPinHealth& Household,andProofSyrup inGrocery&Gourmet. LearntheimportanceofMAP enforcement,howweak complianceerodestrustand profitability,andwhat brandscandotoprotect long-termvalue.

www.zquared.com

LetterfromthePresident

PresidentJeffBushsharesvisionfor ZQUAREDandsetsthetrajectoryfor theupcomingmonths

BrandHighlights

ForQ2of2025,we’reproudto highlight:FreshEggsDaily, ThorneVet,GOOP,andProofSyrup

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 move deeper into the year, many of us are facing growing uncertainty especially around tariffs, shifting costs, and the promises flooding the market More competitors are pushing “guaranteed growth” offerings, but in many cases, those promises are more flash than substance

In times like these, brands should be leaning into trusted partnerships. At ZQUARED, we don’t offer shortcuts or silver bullets we focus on sound strategies, data-driven execution, and long-term value The same approach that got us here will carry us through whatever changes lie before us

As the landscape shifts, we ’ re focused on staying grounded investing where it matters, communicating clearly, and delivering results that last. Whether it’s through operational support, strategic guidance, or simply being present when it counts, we remain committed to walking alongside our partners not just in the highs, but through the challenges as well

We’re not chasing headlines or hollow guarantees. We’re focused on building sustainable growth together. In uncertain times, consistency, trust, and shared experience matter more than ever

Let’s keep moving forward, one decision at a time with confidence in the relationships and results that have brought us this far

OURBRA

ANDS

FreshEggsDailyprovidesnatural poultrycareproductsand educationalresourcesforbackyard chickenkeepers.

GOOP

Goopisanon-toxic, biodegradable,waterlesshand cleanerthateffectivelyremoves grease,paint,ink,tar,and industrialsoils.

Health & Household

ThorneVet

ThorneVetprovidesveterinarianformulatedsupplementsdesigned tooptimizepethealthandnutrition.

ProofSyrup

ProofSyrupcraftspremium cocktailsyrupsthatsimplifythe processofmakinghigh-quality cocktailsathome.

Grocery & Gourmet

INFORMA RESOU

ATIONAL URCES

MORETOEXPLOREON THEZQUARDBLOG

AGlimpseintothe RetailLandscape

of2029

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?

MAP Enforcement:

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

Why it Matters and its Impact on Brand Value

In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, maintaining control over your brand’s pricing is more important than ever With dozens of online retailers and marketplaces competing for sales, inconsistent pricing can quickly erode your brand’s value and damage relationships with trusted partners. That’s why many brands rely on a strong minimum advertised price policy, often called a MAP policy, to protect their products and support a level playing field.

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

While MAP policies are essential across all retail channels, online marketplaces like Amazon add unique challenges to MAP enforcement Brands need a clear strategy and the right tools to maintain pricing integrity, especially in such a competitive environment.

What Is MAP Pricing and Why Is It Important?

MAP pricing, or minimum advertised price, is the lowest price a brand allows its resellers to publicly advertise its products. This isn’t the same as the final sale price (which could be lower due to promotions at checkout), but it sets clear boundaries for how products appear across retail channels Having a MAP policy helps brands ensure price consistency, protect the perceived value of their products, and maintain strong relationships with both online and brick-and-mortar retailers.

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

MakingSmarterDecisions,Faster

Inagrowingbusiness,everydecisionmatters butoverthinkingcanslowyoudown.Thesetips aredesignedtohelpsmallbusinessowners andteamsmakeconfident,informeddecisions withoutgettingstuckinanalysisparalysis

SetaTimeLimit:Giveyourselfadeadlinefor makingnon-criticaldecisions.Thiskeepsyou movingforwardandreduceswastedtimeon minorchoices

Usethe80%Rule:Ifyouhave80%ofthe informationyouneed,moveforward Waiting forperfectclarityoftendelaysprogress unnecessarily

DefaulttoAction:Whenindoubt,takethenext beststep Actiongeneratesmomentumand usuallygivesyoumoreclaritythanstanding still.

SimplifytheOptions:Narrowchoicesdownto twoorthreestrongoptions.Toomanyvariables overwhelmyourthinkingandstalldecisionmaking.

KnowWhat’sReversible:Notevery decisionisfinal.Ifsomethingcanbe easilyadjustedlater,don’twastetime treatingitlikeit’spermanent.

TrustYourFramework:Establish guidingprinciplesorgoals,andlet themleadyourdecisions It’seasierto choosewheneveryoptionisweighed againstwhatmattersmost

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

Amazon

Over80%ofsmall businessesintheU.S.are runbyasingleowner withnoemployees

BUSINESS FACTS

DecideOnce

Forrecurringtasksor situations,makeone intentionalchoiceand stickwithit

Whetherit’syour meetingschedule, approvalprocess,or dailyroutine removingsmall decisionsfreesup mentalenergyfor whatreallymatters.

ZachWeisner
KenonKoffkey KateN
RhondaCummins SeniorBrandManager SeniorPPCSpecialist

Announcements &

Happy ZQUARED Anniversary

Name Yearsat ZQUARED Anniversary Month

SueO’Daniel

JoeByers

JimScheetz

BradIgnash

AlexBurkhardt

SarahCarson

AdamSaey

BrendanSontheimer

Taking team unity to a new level

Some of our teammates coordinated this neutral-toned look, deemed “Oatmeal Attire”—and we think it deserves a spotlight.

The BeigeBrigade

Eric H, Carrie, Noah, Brett, Eric W, Kenon, Zach, Emma
(from left to right)

Announcements &

2025 ANNUAL RALLY

This year at the ZQUARED Summer Rally, our team gathered at Topgolf to connect, have fun, and strengthen the sense of unity that fuels our culture. It gave us a chance to step away from the daily grind, share some laughs, and enjoy time together as a team –and a little friendly competition!

SPOTLIGHT Employee

ALEXBURKHARDT

As a Data Analyst Associate at ZQUARED, Alex supports multiple departments by analyzing data to inform strategy, track sales trends, and forecast inventory and profitability. He recently created predictive processing times for each product, helping streamline daily warehouse planning. Outside of work, Alex enjoys exercising and cheering on his favorite Denver sports teams.

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

2025 2025

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

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