Episode #265: Jay Berkowitz
Jay Berkowitz is the Founder & CEO of Ten Golden Rules, an agency focused on internet marketing for law firms. In this Clicks & Bricks episode (#265), Jay traces his path from scaling eDiets.com to $40M in revenue to codifying timeless digital principles—the “Ten Golden Rules.” He breaks down what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in performance marketing, with practical, local-first tactics any service business can use today.
Episode #226: Monika Shah – Small Packages
Monika Shah, Small Packages — Turning Thoughtful Gifting into a Relationship Engine Monika Shah is the CEO and co-founder of Small Packages, a curated gifting company built to help people connect when they can’t be together in person. She joined co-founder Julie at the start of COVID, fell in love with the mission, and now leads the build of Present, an app designed to help you remember important moments, nudge consistent check-ins, and make it effortless to show up for the people who matter. From negotiating sweat-equity partnerships to shipping nationwide (and into the UK), Monika shares the playbook for growing a modern gifting brand that’s really about relationship health and retention—not one-and-done transactions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpR9iIvDltE 5 Key Takeaways from this Episode: Sweat equity done right: If you join as a partner, negotiate a clear vesting/milestone schedule up front—trust plus structure protects everyone. From CPG to startup exits: Monika was the first hire at a startup that later sold to SC Johnson, giving her end-to-end perspective on building, scaling, and exiting. Gifting as strategy, not swag: Small Packages pairs curated boxes with handwritten notes and corporate-friendly workflows to open doors and deepen relationships. Present app = retention engine: In beta, Present reminds you about birthdays, anniversaries, and “it’s been a while” check-ins, offers call prompts, and logs touchpoints—plus a gift marketplace beyond boxes. Fast growth, smart expansion: Small Packages ships across the U.S. and has opened gifting to the UK; the business crossed $1M revenue in ~3 years by pairing physical product with tech-driven service. Watch the full interview now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpR9iIvDltE Memorable Quote: “We want you to be present in your relationships.” — Monika Shah Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now
Episode #171: iFreshly Digital – Erica Vallejo
How Erica Vallejo Built iFreshly Digital from Hustle to High-Growth Niche Erica Vallejo, founder and CEO of iFreshly Digital, joined the Clicks & Bricks Podcast to share her incredible journey from laid-off single mom to digital marketing powerhouse in the cannabis space. With no safety net, Erica turned gig work into fuel for her entrepreneurial fire, proving that grit and a clear niche can transform a side hustle into a thriving business. Key Takeaways from Episode 171: Believe in Yourself Early: Erica says lack of self-belief held her back more than any external challenge. Niche Down to Scale Up: Choosing cannabis as her niche gave Erica a clear path to exponential growth—even in a state where it’s not yet legal. Outwork Everyone: She worked 12–14 hours a day as a Lyft driver, then studied marketing for 3–4 hours at night to level up. Cannabis Marketing Is Complex—but Possible: From hashtags to ad copy, marketing in this gray-area industry requires strategy, creativity, and legal awareness. The Green Rush Is Just Beginning: Erica predicts massive growth in the cannabis industry—and believes it’s not too late to get in. Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hRqbcjHmw Memorable Quote: “If I don’t go for it, I can’t feed my daughter and I can’t put a roof over her head… There was no other choice.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Erica Linkedin Globe