eComFuel Rethinking AI, Ad Spend & Growth Strategy as a Founder
Sep 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane and former co-founder of BottleKeeper, explores using AI wisely in business. He shares insights on rational ad budgeting, particularly for Q4, and unveils common mistakes in digital marketing. Adam reflects on balancing family life with entrepreneurial demands, emphasizing the importance of time management and growth versus profit strategies. They also delve into how AI can streamline operations while stressing the value of hands-on hobbies for well-being.
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Family Shifted His Priorities
- Adam Callinan describes how having young children changed his priorities and approach to work.
- He now protects time fiercely and evaluates commitments by how they impact family time.
Burned Out By A Heavy Business Model
- Adam recounts working 70-hour weeks for a decade at a medical device company and learning from those mistakes.
- That experience motivated him to build subsequent businesses much leaner and with fewer employees.
AI Makes Lean Businesses Even Leaner
- Adam says modern automations plus AI would have let BottleKeeper run even leaner than before.
- AI can eliminate roles like customer service and reduce need for managers by enabling agentic systems.