From Rocker to Entrepreneur: Phillip Jackson's Journey in the World of E-commerce

Mastering the Art of Failing

Season One, Episode Six: Former touring rock star turned owner of a highly regarded e-commerce media brand, Phillip Jackson, shares his unique journey.

Find us on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, and Audible. Our show notes are on failingpod.com

Phillip Jackson, the Founder of Future Commerce, has had an unconventional journey in the world of e-commerce. Prior to establishing one of the most respected publications providing insight and research into the world of e-commerce, Jackson aspired to be a rock star.

Yes, you read that right, and no, this is not a tale of a washed-up rocker trying to relive glory days. Jackson and the band were one step away from making it to the lineup at Warped Tour, palled around with the likes of Underoath, and had so many character-building moments that it’s hard to imagine who he was in a past life. That is, of course, besides the remnants, which we’d like to say likely explains his still spiked hair.

Jackson’s story is partly about being unsuccessful as a rock star, but it’s more so a pathway that led him to reshape his creative energy and build a brand that an entire industry looks up to. That pathway shifted as the responsibilities of building a family came into the picture, having to self-learn the concept of brand building and storytelling (thanks MySpace), and ultimately develop an e-commerce media company. He also doubles as an absolutely insane ultra runner who handles the Florida humidity and swamps as only a true rock star can.