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Join me, Nik (https://x.com/CoFoundersNik), as I interview Hans Dose (https://x.com/HansDose_Does) about his wild journey from a Shark Tank deal to building a $12.5 million business and now, launching a US manufacturing facility in California.
Hans is a real-deal entrepreneur who saw the challenges coming for e-commerce brands relying on overseas production, especially with tariffs and geopolitical risks changing the landscape. He shares how his product, Tenikle, went from struggling at $10k/month pre-filming to a massive sales spike after the Shark Tank airing.
We dive into the surprising reality of razor-thin margins in the e-commerce world, largely due to massive advertising costs. Hans explains the crucial difference between silicon and silicone, detailing why this flexible, non-toxic material is vital for countless consumer products. And he lays out his bold plan to "steal China's strategy" for efficient, small-scale production to make US manufacturing competitive again.
Questions This Episode Answers:
How did a Shark Tank deal lead to building a $12.5M business and a US factory?
Why are e-commerce margins razor-thin despite high sales?
What is silicone, and why do so many products use it?
Can US manufacturing really compete on cost with China?
Why build a factory in California instead of nearshoring?
Enjoy the conversation!
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This week we covered:
00:00 From Shark Tank to Manufacturing Success
02:59 The Importance of Silicone in E-commerce
05:56 Navigating the Challenges of Low Margins
08:50 The Shark Tank Experience: Risks and Rewards
12:11 The Rollercoaster of Business Growth
14:59 Unit Economics and Advertising Costs
17:47 Shifting Manufacturing Strategies in a Changing World
22:32 The Shift in Manufacturing Expertise
27:21 Learning from China's Manufacturing Model
30:43 Challenges of Domestic Manufacturing
36:28 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape
42:48 The Future of American Manufacturing
