This week, we’re thrilled to welcome Scot Wingo, a 4-time serial entrepreneur and co-host of the popular Jason and Scot Show, to Watson Weekend! 🎙️

Scot has built some incredible ventures like ChannelAdvisor and Spiffy while passionately supporting startups in North Carolina through the Tweener List and Tweener Fund. Now, he’s joining us to tackle some big questions—and maybe throw a few curveballs along the way! ⚾

What’s on the agenda?

✅ A This or That Quiz

✅ Insights into Scot's podcast, being in stealth mode, and what makes North Carolina so special.

✅ The big question: Where is retail now, and where can tech take it in the future?

✅ Our classic Headline Hangover segment (because headlines never sleep).

✅ A festive finale: Our final holiday video choice 🎄 and the last Kaplan’s Corner of the year!

This week’s Kaplan’s Corner will dive into Retail Enthusiasm vs. Retail Realism—and we want YOUR thoughts too.

In this episode of Watson Weekend LIVE, we’re joined by Gary Benerofe, entrepreneur and investor, to discuss the future of acquisitions, tech investments, and how to build a company in today’s ever-evolving market. Gary shares his journey from real estate to Mu Ventures, offering unique insights into the shifting landscape of SaaS, eCommerce, and supply chain investments.

What we cover:

🔍 Acquisitions in 2024: Why deals are scarce, and what that means for the tech world.

🛠️ The Art of the Pivot: What modern founders need to know heading into 2025.

💡 Building a Company Today: Core requirements and team composition for success.

Gary’s experience in transforming businesses and launching Mu Ventures gives him a unique perspective on what’s next. Tune in for expert insights and thought-provoking conversations.

The good, the bad, and the ugly—Watson Weekend LIVE dives into 2024’s eCommerce rollercoaster!

Nick Kaplan joined Rick Watson to unpack this year’s biggest stories, from moments of triumph to epic fails.

🎙️ Topics we covered:

The Good: Klarna’s IPO momentum, Walmart’s resilience, and Chapter 11 law firms dominating.

The Bad: NRF’s misplaced optimism about “resilient consumers” and Magento agencies stuck in the past.

The Ugly: TEMU’s legal mess, Amazon’s price hikes, and eBay’s stagnant strategy.

Plus: Words and phrases we’re retiring in 2024 (Profitability = Expelliarmus?).

💡 Special thanks to our sponsor, Mirakl, the global leader in eCommerce software solutions! With AI-powered marketplace and retail media solutions, over 450 companies are unlocking new revenue streams. What’s holding you back? Visit mirakl.com.