Most brands don’t have an agency problem.
They have a visibility problem.

They hire agencies without defining operational ownership, performance expectations, or accountability systems. Then they wonder why revenue grows while margin and cash flow deteriorate.

In Episode 83 of the Agency Operators Podcast, Drew Hart joins us to discuss how brands should actually work with Amazon agencies — from vetting partners properly to creating systems that keep performance measurable and operationally aligned.

In this episode, we cover:
— How to identify the right projects for agencies
— Why testing agencies on focused operational tasks matters
— The importance of outside audits and performance pressure
— How founder-led and PE-backed brands should evaluate Amazon partners

Packed with practical insights for operators who want Amazon to function like a real business unit — not just a collection of disconnected tactics.

About Drew Hart:
Drew Hart is the Founder & CEO of Vinculum Services, an Amazon-focused firm helping brands improve advertising performance, conversion, and marketplace operations through commerce intelligence and structured execution.

Before founding Vinculum, Drew spent 10 years in a Fortune 500 management rotation program across finance, marketing, operations, and strategy before building and exiting two Amazon brands in 2024.

“Amazon is a profitable platform, but only with the right partners.”

Connect with Drew Hart:
https://linkedin.com/in/drewhart

Key Discussion Topics

• Identifying the right projects for agencies
• Testing agencies through focused operational work
• Building a list of qualified agency partners
• Using outside audits to improve accountability and performance

Why You Should Tune In

This episode is especially relevant for founders, ecommerce directors, and operators managing growing Amazon businesses with increasing operational complexity.

Drew breaks down how strong brands structure agency relationships to improve visibility across advertising, conversion, inventory, and profitability — while avoiding the common trap of outsourcing responsibility without operational oversight.

If you want Amazon performance tied closer to revenue quality, margin health, and cash flow efficiency, this conversation delivers practical frameworks worth paying attention to.

This podcast is tailor-made to provide valuable insights to our community of exceptional operators who have been through a lot in their efforts to foster brand growth and positively impact lives. Whether you’re a marketer yourself or want to get into the industry this is a great opportunity to learn from agency owners who know the successful tactics to implement.