The FAM Podcast with Mark Kinsley

How does escaping a hurricane spark a sleep industry revolution? Discover the wild journey behind Canada’s fastest-growing mattress brand! When Jon Piett fled a hurricane in Turks & Caicos, he had no idea it’d launch him into the heart of Canada’s mattress industry. In this episode, Jon reveals how starting over led him from a cold garage—crafting weighted blankets—to founding Lotus Sleep Products and opening six Modern Mattress stores across Saskatchewan. If you’ve ever wondered how to compete with mattress giants or how to build a guest-first culture that drives real sales, you’ll love Jon’s story. He shares the surprising decision to ditch big brands in favor of private-label products, the “micro-moments” that transformed his team’s mindset, and how obsessing over every little customer detail (even lighting and opening the door) became Modern Mattress’s secret sauce. Industry experts said his strategy was “crazy.” Sales and conversions say otherwise. Learn how Jon’s team involved staff in product design, fostered culture through hundreds of small rituals, and flipped the mattress industry playbook upside down—proving that action (not permission) is the real difference-maker. Stay tuned for Jon’s best advice for entrepreneurs, how Lotus is eyeing global expansion, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s next for the Canadian sleep scene. Timestamps: - 00:45 – The hurricane escape that changed Jon’s life - 05:26 – Why Jon pestered his way into the mattress industry - 12:36 – The garage story: From homemade weighted blankets to the first Lotus mattress - 18:14 – The “180-degree” shift that made Modern Mattress unique - 19:22 – How staff-driven product design changed everything - 22:52 – Why dropping big brands actually boosted sales - 24:48 – The real work: Building culture and team mindset (and why most fail) - 26:08 – Tiny habits, huge impact: The door-opening ritual explained - 29:46 – What’s next: Global expansion and tech innovation - 32:39 – Jon’s #1 advice for aspiring entrepreneurs Connect with The FAM Podcast: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fam-mattress/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@forallthingsmattress 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forallthingsmattress/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefamnews 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4wvSqPZaxehCSmwRpByLi4 🍎 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fam-podcast-with-mark-kinsley/id1452601818

Dive into the future of retail with AI expert Mark Kinsley and discover how to turn AI from a mere toy into a powerful tool for innovation.Join our host Mark Kinsley as he talks with Melissa about the transformative power of AI in the retail industry. With years of experience in the mattress and appliance sectors, Mark shares his insights on leveraging AI for productivity and innovation.In this episode, Mark Kinsley takes us on a journey from being an AI tinkerer to an expert. He discusses the evolution of AI tools, their applications in retail, and how businesses can maximize AI's potential. Through engaging anecdotes, Mark illustrates AI's role in enhancing productivity and offers a glimpse into the future of retail.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction by Melissa and Mark03:45 - How AI Became a Game-Changer in Retail07:20 - Early Adoption and Masterminds: The Journey Begins12:10 - AI in Action: Real-world Applications and Success Stories18:30 - Interactive Session: Defining AI's Role in Your Business25:45 - The Iron Man Suit Analogy: Who Wins in the AI Age?34:00 - Tools and Tips: Maximizing AI for Business Success42:50 - Audience Q&A: Your AI Questions Answered50:15 - Closing Thoughts and Future of AI in Retail

Discover the transformative power of sleep science in this insightful episode featuring Dr. Elie Gottlieb, Head of Applied Sleep Science at SleepScore Labs. Host Mark Kinsley explores how cutting-edge research and technology are not only helping people sleep better—but also driving innovation and growth for businesses in the sleep industry.What You’ll Learn:* How SleepScore Labs validates product claims with data* The connection between personalized sleep solutions and business performance* Why pillow fit can make or break your sleep* How to build “sleep pressure” during the day for better rest at night* The role of consistency in healthy sleep habits* Eye-opening insights into social jet lag and sleep hygiene* What the future holds for personalized mattress shoppingWhether you’re a sleep-deprived professional or a brand looking to improve your product’s credibility, this episode is packed with practical advice and fascinating science.Timestamps:00:01 – Introduction to Dr. Elie Gottlieb and SleepScore Labs01:18 – How SleepScore Labs Drives Business Growth03:03 – The Importance of Evidence-Based Sleep Science05:20 – The Science of Pillow Fitting and Sleep Quality09:51 – Sleep as a Daytime Issue: Building Sleep Pressure14:04 – Overcoming Biases to Prioritize Sleep21:21 – Understanding Individual Sleep Needs and Consistency24:27 – The Impact of Social Jet Lag on Health30:39 – Essential Sleep Hygiene Practices40:57 – Future of Mattress Shopping: Personalized Sleep SolutionsReady to sleep smarter? Tune in now and wake up to what’s possible. #SleepScience #SleepScoreLabs #ElieGottlieb #BetterSleep #HealthTech #MarkKinsley #MattressIndustry #SleepInnovation #Podcast

3Z Brands CEO John Merwin returns to The FAM Podcast to talk about the future of mattress retail. From Helix’s brick-and-mortar rise to the viral impact of Brooklyn (his daughter and the brand), and the surprising acquisition of Southerland—a legacy wholesaler—Merwin reveals how the lines between DTC and traditional retail are being redrawn. 🛏️ Whether you’re a mattress retailer, manufacturer, or brand builder, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Wonderbread truck beginnings 01:00 – Getting attacked by his dog (and stitched up in a stranger’s house) 05:00 – Brooklyn (his daughter) goes viral 08:20 – Influencers and mattress marketing 10:45 – Podcasting power for brands 12:30 – Why 3Z bought Nola, Leesa… and Southerland 15:30 – Helix’s success at retail 17:50 – 3Z’s co-branded local ad strategy 21:00 – What DTC brands must do to get acquired 24:00 – Inflection points: liquidation, foam pouring, and vertical integration 35:45 – What’s next for 3Z (and 3 million pillows/year)

The FAM is excited to announce that Bedgear's CEO Eugene Aletto is speaking at Sleep Summit 2025. In honor of the announcement, we are replaying last year's most listened to episode, featuring the bad boy of bedding himself! Buckle up for an eye-opening chat with Eugene Alletto, the maverick CEO of Bedgear, who's revolutionizing the bedding industry with his bold and innovative approach. Dubbed the "bad boy of bedding," Eugene shares how his immigrant upbringing instilled the principle of being additive rather than disruptive. In this lively episode, Eugene and host Mark Kinsley delve into the importance of innovation, the power of words in branding, and the value of inclusive, customer-centric business practices. Join us for a rollercoaster ride through Eugene's fascinating career, filled with anecdotes that underscore his relentless drive and unique approach to transforming the bedding market. Whether it's connecting the dots in a disjointed industry or emphasizing the need for education over mere sales tactics, Eugene's insights are a treasure trove for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business leaders alike. Key Takeaways: Eugene Alletto's Journey: From a top-performing salesperson to the trailblazing CEO of Bedgear, Eugene's path highlights the power of innovative thinking and resilience. Additive, Not Disruptive: Emphasizing the importance of adding value rather than disrupting, Eugene showcases how focusing on consumer needs can lead to success. Innovation and Education: The critical roles of continuous innovation and robust education in building a brand promise and maintaining industry relevance. Tune in to discover why Eugene is not just a disruptor, but a game-changer in the bedding world. For more insights, follow Eugene on LinkedIn and learn about Bedgear's revolutionary products that are redefining sleep essentials.