Rick Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, a boutique performance marketing agency helping DTC e-commerce brands grow revenue through high-impact affiliate and partner programs. With over 20 years of experience, Rick has helped brands — from fast-growing startups to established names like Groupon and Home Chef — turn affiliate marketing into a scalable revenue engine. A former Division I athlete turned entrepreneur, he brings a disciplined, team-first approach and a passion for building aligned, high-value partnerships in an ever-evolving affiliate landscape.

Growing a brand isn't just about products — it's about partnerships that expand reach, influence, and revenue. Many companies struggle to use affiliate marketing and strategic collaborations effectively, leaving money and opportunities on the table. How can brands leverage these channels to grow smarter and faster?

According to Rick Gardiner, a seasoned performance marketing expert, the key is to focus on strategic, high-quality partnerships rather than quantity. He emphasizes the importance of aligning affiliate programs with content creators, influencers, and PR efforts while avoiding pitfalls such as paid search conflicts and compliance issues. By taking a relationship-driven approach, brands can drive measurable growth, stand out in crowded markets, and turn niche products into national successes. Real-world examples — from helping saturated brands gain market share to elevating smaller brands through mass media placements — show the power of thoughtful, well-executed collaborations.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Rick Gardiner, Founder and CEO of iAffiliate Management, to discuss scaling growth through affiliate and strategic partnerships. They explore building quality partnerships, navigating compliance and tech tools, and leveraging cross-brand collaborations. Rick also shares tips for integrating affiliates into broader revenue strategies.