upside

Interview begins: 8:38
Debrief begins: 51:03

Today we’re talking with Eric Martell, the founder of Pear Commerce. Pear Commerce enables CPG companies to drive real transactions from existing national ads and retailers to build their online channel with new customers and repeat purchases.

Pear Commerce is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Eric is a venture partner at Generator. He was the managing director of Generator Minnesota until September 2018.

Eric’s foray into startups happened in 2009 when he co-founded EatStreet with Alex Wyler. Eric collaborated with Alex to build early iterations of EatStreet’s product and various tech-enabled marketing tools and strategies. Eric eventually transitioned to lead the company’s data-driven efforts to make EatStreet’s marketing, sales, and operations as efficient as possible.

Key points:
- Deciding to become an entrepreneur (12:26)
- Balance Proclivity (17:00)
- Consumer perspective and workflow (25:37)
- Dealing with non-normal demand cycles (30:02)
- CPC type campaign (38:24)

Learn more about Pear Commerce: https://pearcommerce.com/company/

Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full-stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups, and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity

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This episode is also sponsored by RIMS.

RIMS is a global organization dedicated to the profession of risk management. For nearly 60 years, RIMS has delivered the latest strategies and resources that allow risk professionals to grow, innovate, and succeed—in any business.

RIMS works with industry leaders to produce content and online training that business professionals turn to. Topics include business continuity, cyber risk, risk management techniques, the fundamentals of insurance and more. There is also a private, members-only site where people can discuss sensitive issues and get honest answers. Members have been leaning on each other as we all navigate the global pandemic.

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and the sustainability of your organization, you need the resources and connections RIMS provides. Learn more at https://go.rims.org/upside. You can save 25% off a year-long membership.

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This episode of upside is also sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you're a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you're already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You've got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don't need any special equipment – just the smartphone you're already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It's just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

Show Notes

Interview begins: 8:38
Debrief begins: 51:03

Today we’re talking with Eric Martell, the founder of Pear Commerce. Pear Commerce enables CPG companies to drive real transactions from existing national ads and retailers to build their online channel with new customers and repeat purchases. 

Pear Commerce is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Eric is a venture partner at Generator. He was the managing director of Generator Minnesota until September 2018. 

Eric’s foray into startups happened in 2009 when he co-founded EatStreet with Alex Wyler. Eric collaborated with Alex to build early iterations of EatStreet’s product and various tech-enabled marketing tools and strategies. Eric eventually transitioned to lead the company’s data-driven efforts to make EatStreet’s marketing, sales, and operations as efficient as possible.

Key points: 
  • Deciding to become an entrepreneur (12:26)
  • Balance Proclivity (17:00)
  • Consumer perspective and workflow (25:37)
  • Dealing with non-normal demand cycles (30:02)
  • CPC type campaign (38:24)

Learn more about Pear Commerce: https://pearcommerce.com/company/

Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full-stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups, and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity

--

This episode is also sponsored by RIMS.

RIMS is a global organization dedicated to the profession of risk management. For nearly 60 years, RIMS has delivered the latest strategies and resources that allow risk professionals to grow, innovate, and succeed—in any business.

RIMS works with industry leaders to produce content and online training that business professionals turn to. Topics include business continuity, cyber risk, risk management techniques, the fundamentals of insurance, and more. There is also a private, members-only site where people can discuss sensitive issues and get honest answers. Members have been leaning on each other as we all navigate the global pandemic. 

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and the sustainability of your organization, you need the resources and connections RIMS provides. Learn more at https://go.rims.org/upside. You can save 25% off a year-long membership.

--

This episode of upside is also sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you're a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you're already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You've got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don't need any special equipment – just the smartphone you're already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It's just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

What is upside?

Named a top 27 business podcast by Fortune, upside examines startup investing outside of Silicon Valley.

Every Wednesday, we speak with an early stage founder. We interview them as if we are angel investors considering the company as an investment opportunity.

Each show has three segments:

1.) Intro: independent research of the company
2.) Interview: interview with the founder
3.) Debrief: breaking down the opportunity

Sometimes, we share Coffee Chats interviewing venture capitalists, community builders, and later-stage founders.

Subscribe and see why Business Insider called our podcast "Almost as Good as Getting an MBA."