ZQ Magazine Issue 22

MAGAZINE MAP ENFORCEMENT & WHY IT MATTERS

Learn the importance of MAP enforcement, how weak compliance erodes trust and profitability, and what brands can do to protect long-term value.

ANNUAL SUMMER RALLY

This year’s rally brought the team together at Topgolf Chesterfield for fun, connection, and a fresh dose of unity outside the office.

FEATURED BRAND

This issue highlights Fresh Eggs Daily and ThorneVet in Pet, GOOP in Health & Household, and Proof Syrup in Grocery & Gourmet.

HIGHLIGHTS

www.zquared.com

MANAGED E-COMMERCE SERVICES

ISSUE 22 | Q3 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 Q2 of 2025, we’re proud to highlight: Fresh Eggs Daily, ThorneVet , GOOP, and Proof Syrup

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 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.

Jeff Bush

Jeff Bush

President, ZQUARED

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OUR BRA 4

ANDS 5

Brand

HIGHLIGHTS Fresh Eggs Daily Fresh Eggs Daily provides natural poultry care products and educational resources for backyard chicken keepers.

Pet

GOOP

Goop is a non-toxic, biodegradable, waterless hand cleaner that effectively removes grease, paint, ink, tar, and industrial soils.

Health & Household 6

Proof Syrup

Proof Syrup crafts premium cocktail syrups that simplify the process of making high-quality cocktails at home.

Grocery & Gourmet

ThorneVet ThorneVet provides veterinarianformulated supplements designed to optimize pet health and nutrition.

Pet

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INFORMA RESOU 8

4

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...

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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MAP Enforcement:

Why it Matters and its Impact on Brand Value June 2025

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.

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.

Continue reading on our website

TIONAL RESOURCES LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE? Making Smarter Decisions, Faster

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

In a growing business, every decision matters— but overthinking can slow you down. These tips are designed to help small business owners and teams make confident, informed decisions without getting stuck in analysis paralysis.

All Posts In the News

Set a Time Limit: Give yourself a deadline for making non-critical decisions. This keeps you moving forward and reduces wasted time on minor choices.

Case Studies Amazon

Use the 80% Rule: If you have 80% of the information you need, move forward. Waiting for perfect clarity often delays progress unnecessarily.

Default to Action: When in doubt, take the next best step. Action generates momentum and usually gives you more clarity than standing still.

Over 80% of small businesses in the U.S. are run by a single owner with no employees

Simplify the Options: Narrow choices down to two or three strong options. Too many variables overwhelm your thinking and stall decisionmaking.

Know What’s Reversible: Not every decision is final. If something can be easily adjusted later, don’t waste time treating it like it’s permanent.

Trust Your Framework: Establish guiding principles or goals, and let them lead your decisions. It’s easier to choose when every option is weighed against what matters most.

BUSINESS FACTS

Decide Once For recurring tasks or situations, make one intentional choice and stick with it.

Whether it’s your meeting schedule, approval process, or daily routine— removing small decisions frees up mental energy for what really matters.

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ZQ COMM 12

MUNITY 13

ZQ NEWS & New Hires Kenon Koffkey

Senior PPC Specialist

Kate Nelson

Supply Chain Analyst

Josh Oglesby

Shipping & Receiving Lead

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Zach Weisner

Senior Brand Manager

Maddie Green

Graphic Designer

Rhonda Cummins Controller

Devin Brown

FBA Associate

The team is also ex cit Evan Cornett asedouto have Summer intern! r

& Announcements Happy ZQUARED Anniversary Name

Anniversary Month

Years at ZQUARED

Sue O’Daniel

May

10

Joe Byers

May

8

Jim Scheetz

May

1

Brad Ignash

June

8

Alex Burkhardt

June

1

Sarah Carson

June

5

Adam Saey

June

2

Brendan Sontheimer

June

2

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ZQ NEWS & a new level Taking team unity to es coordinated Some of our teammat ok, deemed this neutral-toned lo d we think it “Oatmeal Attire”—an . deserves a spotlight

The Brig Beige ade

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

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& 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!

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Employee

SPOTLIGHT ALEX BURKHARDT

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.

Joined the Team

Role at ZQUARED

Passions & Hobbies

2024

Data Analyst Associate

Watching Sports

What the team has to say about Alex...

Alex is always a pleasure to work with.

He is always more than happy to help and always seems to have the right answer.

- Ethan Linebaugh

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Alex is a wealth of knowledge and never hesitates to lend a hand and teach something which is invaluable here at ZQUARED. – Alex Cornett

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

2025

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

tu

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 22

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

Q3 2025