Acquiring Minds Leaving Amazon to Buy a $3m Apparel Brand
Oct 17, 2024
In this conversation, Eric Bauer, a former Amazon employee turned entrepreneur, shares his journey into the world of small business ownership after acquiring Turner Hat, a $3 million apparel brand. He discusses the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship and the challenges of managing a team in a new culture in Alabama. Eric highlights the skills he gained at Amazon, the intricacies of navigating business acquisitions, and the importance of employee motivation. He also reflects on personal growth amid the emotional rollercoaster of running a smaller brand.
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Early Entrepreneurial Dreams and Amazon Journey
- Eric Bauer's entrepreneurial journey began with a desire to start a business abroad, influenced by his mother's small business experience.
- His parents advised him to take a job at Amazon, where he stayed for 10 years, gaining diverse experience.
Unexpectedly Long Tenure at Amazon
- While initially planning a short stint, Eric stayed at Amazon for 10 years, exceeding his initial 2-year plan.
- This allowed him to gain valuable experience in retail, supply chain, and product development.
Amazon Go, Pandemic Response, and Burnout
- Eric's Amazon experience included working on the Amazon Go project, facing scaling challenges due to customer unfamiliarity with the technology.
- During the pandemic, he contributed to COVID response and online grocery efforts, ultimately leading to burnout and a sabbatical.