Episode
203. Why Paid Ads Are Breaking Your Business ft. Adam Callinan
- Podcast
- Commerce Untold
- Published
- Apr 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1837
- Processing state
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Summary
There’s a point where more revenue doesn’t mean more profit. And that’s where things start to break. In this episode, Eitan Koter is joined by Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane, to talk about how ecommerce brands can actually make money, not just grow. Adam explains why many businesses look successful on the surface but struggle behind the scenes. He breaks down how to think about costs, margins, and the real drivers of profit in a way that’s easy to follow. The conversation also covers how founders should approach different stages of growth. What to focus on early, how to think about hiring, and why keeping things simple for as long as possible can make a big difference. They also touch on paid media, what founders often get wrong, and how to tell if it’s truly working. It’s a practical look at building a business that works long term, not just one that looks good from the outside. Website: https://www.vimmi.net Email us: [email protected] Podcast website: https://vimmi.net/mastering-ecommerce-marketing/ Talk to us on Social: Eitan Koter’s LinkedIn | Vimmi LinkedIn | YouTube Guest: Adam Callinan, Founder/CEO at Pentane Adam Callinan’s LinkedIn | Pentane Watch the full Youtube video here: https://youtu.be/hWTnZpio-_c Takeaways: Importance of contribution margin over revenue The profit pyramid and financial structuring Stages of business growth and cash flow management The role of AI and automation in operational efficiency Building trust and onboarding clients in SaaS solutions Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Values 02:50 Balancing Curiosity and Leadership 05:41 Understanding Revenue and Profitability 08:31 The Profit Pyramid Explained 11:29 Navigating Cash Flow Challenges 14:18 The Importance of Staying Lean 17:05 Paid Media Strategies for Founders 19:58 Identi…