"This is the best time, I think, better than when I got into the industry over 15 years ago to get started in e-commerce." – Ezra Firestone
In this special episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on an exclusive session from the Smart eCommerce course. Ezra Firestone is joined by Laura Paladino and Kurt Elster to talk about the evolution of ecommerce—and why there’s never been a better moment to dive in.
From Laura’s journey working four jobs (including Cracker Barrel) to becoming Director of Retention at an 8-figure brand, to Kurt’s eBay hustle during the Furby craze, you’ll walk away inspired—and armed with strategic advice on how to grow in this booming industry.
Why ecommerce has the lowest barrier to entry right now
How to avoid overwhelm and choose the right learning path
What “Shopify nerds” have known for years (and you should too)
Real stories of career transformation through ecommerce
Why marketing is all about making the backend prettier for the frontend
Where to find trustworthy, high-impact education (and what to avoid)
02:17 – Ezra shares why this is the best time to start in ecommerce
02:24 – Meet Laura and Kurt
03:31 – Kurt on getting started with eBay
05:03 – Laura’s journey from Cracker Barrel to Boom
06:17 – What surprised Laura most about marketing
08:41 – Advice for new ecommerce learners: avoid overwhelm
09:27 – Don't be afraid to use Shopify’s powerful documentation
10:21 – Laura’s framework for learning in a noisy space
11:14 – Ezra’s advice: Follow the course and focus
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