How I Built This with Guy Raz Cotopaxi: Davis Smith
May 4, 2020
Davis Smith, Founder and CEO of Cotopaxi, shares his inspiring journey from failed ventures to launching a socially responsible outdoor gear brand. He discusses how personal experiences in Bolivia ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and led to the creation of a brand with a mission to do good. Listeners will enjoy stories about overcoming self-doubt, the importance of ethical practices, and the playful use of llamas in marketing. Davis also reflects on the blend of luck and responsibility in achieving success and his commitment to giving back.
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Early Influence
- Davis Smith's earliest memory is seeing impoverished children in the Dominican Republic, realizing his privilege came from his birthplace.
- This shaped his worldview and fueled his desire to help others.
Entrepreneurial Spark
- Inspired by a newspaper article about Steve Gibson, Davis considered working for him after graduation.
- Gibson encouraged him to start his own business instead, sparking Davis's entrepreneurial journey.
PoolTables.com Launch
- Davis and his cousin started PoolTables.com, selling pool tables online.
- They financed the first container with credit cards and family loans, achieving $1 million in sales the first year.