Did you know your mattress store has just 7 seconds to win or lose a sale? Discover the surprising strategies that top retailers use to win big. We’re fresh off the floor from Nationwide Primetime in Nashville—and we’re spilling the real secrets you won’t hear anywhere else! Mark & Tara Kinsley break down the top takeaways that can transform your mattress business and your customers’ sleep. If you’ve ever wondered why your AI initiatives stall, or how a simple “pillow fitting” can boost your...
Aug 25, 2025•26 min
Did you know a jingle can make your brand 96% more memorable? See how AI wrote one in just 2 minutes (and why your business needs this edge). What does a hidden Oregon beach, a 2-minute AI-composed song, and a record-breaking charity event have in common? This episode is your backstage pass to the future of mattress marketing. Mark Kinsley reveals the science behind why jingles work—brands with music boast a staggering 96% higher recall rate! If you've ever wondered why your best promotions stil...
Aug 18, 2025•24 min
You won’t believe the wildest sleep technology we tested at Vegas Market—think massage beds, carbon fiber support, and celebrity collabs! Just back from Las Vegas World Market, Mark and Tara Kinsley spill the behind-the-scenes on eight showrooms changing how we sleep (and sell sleep). From a cabana at the Bellagio to late-night adventures at Tao, this episode recaps the most eye-opening moments with industry insiders and real talk about what’s trending in sleep science and mattress innovation. I...
Aug 11, 2025•23 min
Most mattress retailers lose 30-40% in sales by hiding financing—here’s how to turn payment options into your #1 marketing weapon (and boost ticket size). Ever wondered why customers walk out without buying—or why your average ticket won’t budge? This week, Mark Kinsley sits down with Mark Shelley, Head of Sales at American First Finance, to reveal the untapped power of leading with financing. Discover how presenting flexible payment options early and often can unlock “Yesville” for every shoppe...
Aug 04, 2025•24 min
Mattress pros: Are you missing the #1 AI automation that’s saving top retailers hours and thousands—without hiring extra staff? Discover it here. AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the tool transforming the mattress and sleep industry, from product imagery to customer engagement and beyond. In this episode, Mark Kinsley is joined by AI and automation experts from Presti.ai and Podium to reveal how sleep retailers are using next-gen automation to slash busywork, boost sales, and deliver the photo-real...
Jul 28, 2025•59 min
How did a 37-year-old mattress mogul turn a forgotten furniture store—with NO computer—into a thriving, triple-location empire? The secret’s inside. What happens when a top mattress retailer gets bored? If you’re Keith Moneymaker—the “Unicorn with a Beard”—you buy out a local furniture store with a legendary legacy…and discover a hidden warehouse packed with vintage gems, untouched since the 90s. In this episode, Mark Kinsley digs in with Keith on how he’s defied industry odds, tripled his busin...
Jul 21, 2025•28 min
How does escaping a hurricane spark a sleep industry revolution? Discover the wild journey behind Canada’s fastest-growing mattress brand! When Jon Piett fled a hurricane in Turks & Caicos, he had no idea it’d launch him into the heart of Canada’s mattress industry. In this episode, Jon reveals how starting over led him from a cold garage—crafting weighted blankets—to founding Lotus Sleep Products and opening six Modern Mattress stores across Saskatchewan. If you’ve ever wondered how to comp...
Jul 14, 2025•40 min
Dive into the future of retail with AI expert Mark Kinsley and discover how to turn AI from a mere toy into a powerful tool for innovation.Join our host Mark Kinsley as he talks with Melissa about the transformative power of AI in the retail industry. With years of experience in the mattress and appliance sectors, Mark shares his insights on leveraging AI for productivity and innovation.In this episode, Mark Kinsley takes us on a journey from being an AI tinkerer to an expert. He discusses the e...
Jul 07, 2025•59 min
Discover the transformative power of sleep science in this insightful episode featuring Dr. Elie Gottlieb, Head of Applied Sleep Science at SleepScore Labs. Host Mark Kinsley explores how cutting-edge research and technology are not only helping people sleep better—but also driving innovation and growth for businesses in the sleep industry.What You’ll Learn:* How SleepScore Labs validates product claims with data* The connection between personalized sleep solutions and business performance* Why ...
Jun 30, 2025•48 min
3Z Brands CEO John Merwin returns to The FAM Podcast to talk about the future of mattress retail . From Helix’s brick-and-mortar rise to the viral impact of Brooklyn (his daughter and the brand), and the surprising acquisition of Southerland—a legacy wholesaler—Merwin reveals how the lines between DTC and traditional retail are being redrawn. 🛏️ Whether you’re a mattress retailer, manufacturer, or brand builder, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 –...
Jun 23, 2025•43 min
The FAM is excited to announce that Bedgear's CEO Eugene Aletto is speaking at Sleep Summit 2025. In honor of the announcement, we are replaying last year's most listened to episode, featuring the bad boy of bedding himself! Buckle up for an eye-opening chat with Eugene Alletto, the maverick CEO of Bedgear, who's revolutionizing the bedding industry with his bold and innovative approach. Dubbed the "bad boy of bedding," Eugene shares how his immigrant upbringing instilled the principle of being ...
Jun 16, 2025•45 min
Can you build a competitive intelligence dashboard with no coding skills? Yes—and Mark Kinsley shows you how. In this episode, Kinsley demos how he used Manus.ai to create a mattress industry market tracker that monitors local competitors, scrapes promotional data, and identifies strategic threats. He also built a real-time stock dashboard to follow public companies like Sleep Number and Purple. If you’re a mattress retailer, supplier, or manufacturer, this episode offers a masterclass in using ...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min
Dive into the inspiring journey of Dale Carlsen, the visionary behind Sleep Train, and discover how he reshaped an industry and gave back to his community.Join host Mark Kinsley as he sits down with Dale Carlsen, the legendary founder of Sleep Train, who built a 317-store empire with a unique culture of employee ownership and community support.In this episode, Dale Carlsen shares the story of building a mattress empire and the transformative power of employee ownership. Discover how his innovati...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Uncover the hidden question that transforms how you connect with your passion and purpose.Kinsley embarked on a transformative journey through Catalonia, Spain, where he met Harvey, an exceptional guide who poses a life-changing question: "A que te dedicas?" This episode dives into cultural insights and personal reflections that redefine the meaning of work and dedication.Join Mark as he reflects on cycling through the breathtaking landscapes of Catalonia, where he and Tara experienced the rich ...
May 19, 2025•17 min
How do you transform a crowd focused on funnel cakes and fun houses into a line of eager mattress buyers? This week on The FAM Podcast, host Mark Kinsley sits down with Jason Goodman, the head of business development for City Mattress, to discuss the art of selling at high-traffic events like state fairs and rodeos. Goodman shares how to sell outside traditional retail environments. Learn how to convert high foot traffic events into lucrative sales opportunities and discover the essential elemen...
May 12, 2025•43 min
Discover how to 40X your productivity and revolutionize your business workflow with the power of AI!In this episode, Mark Kinsley reveals how to dramatically enhance your productivity using ChatGPT and generative AI, sharing insights from his teachings to mattress industry executives. Learn how AI is reshaping business operations, from idea generation to task automation, and why becoming a "prompt boss" is crucial for staying competitive. Dive into real-world examples and discover how you can le...
May 05, 2025•32 min
Discover the secret sauce behind City Mattress, one of America's most esteemed family-owned retailers. Join host Mark Kinsley as he delves into the recipe for success with Jason Goodman, Head of Business Development at City Mattress. This episode uncovers the blend of tradition, innovation, and quality that defines their retail strategy.In this episode, we explore the unique business strategies that have propelled City Mattress to the forefront of the retail industry. From their proprietary Pran...
Apr 28, 2025•40 min
Get ready to dive into the unforgettable experience of Dream Camp 2025 at the iconic Hotel Emma! Join host Mark Kinsley and co-host Tara Kinsley as they take you through the transformative journey of Dream Camp 2025, hosted at the stunning Hotel Emma. This episode features highlights from the event, including insights from Hernani Alves, former president of Sleep Train, and the unforgettable guacamole competition. Discover how Dream Camp blends professional development with unique experiences to...
Apr 21, 2025•40 min
Discover how Nate Cangemi transitioned from rock and roll to mattress mogul without selling his house! Join host Mark Kinsley as he sits down with Nate Cangemi, the dynamic frontman behind Golden Dreams Mattress and the official band of the Sleep Summit. Nate shares his journey from contemplating selling his house to launching a successful retail experience that redefines mattress shopping. Episode Summary: In this episode, Nate reveals how a pivotal mastermind session at Sleep Summit and the su...
Apr 14, 2025•42 min
What do fitness, franchising, and Super Bowl champions have to do with mattresses? Brad Taylor explains it all. Join Mark Kinsley as he welcomes Brad Taylor, VP of Franchise Development at Snooze Mattress Company. With a background in fitness and franchising, Brad brings a fresh perspective to the sleep industry. In this episode, you'll hear how he's helping Snooze scale nationally, why wellness is the future of sleep retail, and how NFL champions Kevin Minter and Andrew Adams became brand ambas...
Apr 07, 2025•45 min
When silence on sustainability speaks louder than words—and boomers quietly steal the economic spotlight—you know it’s time to rethink everything. In this episode of The FAM podcast, host Mark Kinsley recaps big takeaways from the 2025 ISPA conference in St. Pete’s, featuring fresh insights from Scot Case, VP of Sustainability at the National Retail Federation, and economist Dr. Christopher Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence. Episode Summary: Mark takes us behind the scenes at ISPA 2025 wher...
Mar 31, 2025•21 min
In the mid-90s, as the popularity of waterbeds waned, a new wave of sleep products began to emerge. This shift paved the way for the formation of the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA). Tambra Jones, executive director of the SSA, played a pivotal role in this evolution, bringing together manufacturers, retailers, and futon experts. The SSA organized trade shows and established a permanent showroom in Las Vegas, providing a platform for emerging mattress brands to thrive. A Journey Through the In...
Mar 24, 2025•27 min
Why it matters: The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is reshaping the sleep industry by providing a platform for innovative products and fostering connections among manufacturers and retailers. Key Insights: In a recent episode of the FAM Podcast, Mark Kinsley and SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones discussed the history and mission of the SSA, which has evolved since the days of waterbeds. Historical Context: SSA was formed in the late 90s, merging various sleep product associations to create ...
Mar 24, 2025•27 min
What if you could automate your most tedious tasks, save hours every week, and finally feel like Tony Stark in your own AI-powered Ironman suit? Host & Guest Introduction: In this episode, Mark Kinsley, is joined by Rex Harris, an AI consultant and product manager whose resume boasts stints at Amazon, Pandora, Electronic Arts, and Bright. Rex is here to break down AI's role in business, how automation can 40X your productivity, and why taste and creativity still matter in an AI-driven world....
Mar 17, 2025•47 min
🚀 One text message. Five minutes. A $5,000 sale. What if your follow-ups were actually closing deals instead of getting ghosted? In this episode of The FAM Podcast , host Mark Kinsley sits down with Kelly Christal , co-owner of six Mattress Firm franchise stores in South Dakota, to talk about the game-changing impact of Podium’s automated follow-up system. Kelly shares how her team skyrocketed customer engagement, collected over 1,300 Google reviews, and used a single text message to bring a cu...
Mar 10, 2025•42 min
What happens when the Mom of the FAM makes a big move? You get a rollercoaster of emotions, heartfelt goodbyes, and some seriously witty banter . In today's episode, Mark Kinsley sits down with Adrienne Woods—the woman who has kept the FAM running smoothly behind the scenes—to talk about her next big adventure, the wildest part of working with Mark, and the unexpected way she’s using Traction (yes, the business strategy book) to parent her kids.🚨 Spoiler Alert: Mark may or may not get emotional...
Mar 03, 2025•31 min
🚀 Buying furniture isn’t just about picking pretty pieces—it’s an art, a science, and sometimes involves a tiger. (Yes, really.) Join Mark Kinsley as he chats with Ashley Kaminiski , a powerhouse buyer at American Furniture Warehouse (AFW) who’s shaping how people shop for their homes. With 15 years in the industry and a keen eye for trends, Ashley spills the secrets of furniture buying, customer behavior, and what it’s like working alongside the legendary Jake Jabs. They cover everything from ...
Feb 24, 2025•34 min
What happens when you mix 20 years of independent retail experience with a passion for mattresses? You get Chad Fischer, the new Director of Bedding at BrandSource, and he’s on a mission to shake things up in the sleep industry! Mark Kinsley welcomes Chad Fischer, a seasoned leader in the bedding industry, who has stepped into a brand-new role at BrandSource. Chad shares his journey, his vision for growing the bedding division, and why independent retailers should be paying attention. Summary: I...
Feb 17, 2025•26 min
Selling a mattress isn’t just a transaction—it’s an art. And if you’re missing out on the luxury AND value zones, you’re leaving money on the table. This episode of The FAM Podcast features Brent Batterman , a powerhouse in the mattress industry, breaking down barbell selling and how to dominate both ends of the market like a pro. 📌 What’s the best way to sell mattresses in 2025? Brent Batterman joins the show to talk about barbell selling , a strategy that helps retailers crush it in both the ...
Feb 10, 2025•50 min
🎰 Sensory overload, late-night networking, and the wildest karaoke showdown—welcome to the ultimate Las Vegas Market recap! In this episode of The FAM Podcast, host Mark Kinsley is joined by his wife and FAM’s Director of Events, Tara Kinsley, to break down all the behind-the-scenes action from Vegas Market. From showroom highlights and innovative products to the now-legendary FAM House Party, this episode is packed with energy, insights, and a few unexpected surprises (including a doctor who o...
Feb 03, 2025•39 min
