Making It with Jon Davids

Jon Davids
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Jul 29, 2025 • 12min

203 - I asked a $700M founder a bunch of burning questions | Brian Scudamore, 1-800-GOT-JUNK

Get your personalized AI Growth Cheatsheet here. Today, JD does some rapidfire Q&A with Brian Scudamore, Founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK. What are his sales? How did he start? What was his most expensive mistake? All that and way more in this candid conversation.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.Follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
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Jul 22, 2025 • 55min

202 - Shopify President: "Here's what every business builder needs to know today"

Get your personalized 1-Minute Marketing Roadmap here. Today, Jon talks with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, about how Shopify transformed from a small website builder for indie companies to one of the world's top e-commerce giants.Harley also shares timeless business lessons for every business builder today.Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.Follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
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Jul 15, 2025 • 20min

201 - How Costco Sells $254B of Stuff with this WEIRD Strategy

Discover the secrets behind Costco's staggering $254 billion success! Explore their innovative membership model and limited product selection that drive bulk purchasing. Learn impactful strategies to boost cash flow and customer loyalty, including upfront payments and pre-orders. Delve into Costco's unique warehouse-style approach and the importance of embracing individuality in business. This mix of marketing genius and unconventional retail tactics offers valuable insights for anyone looking to elevate their own business.
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14 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 48min

200 - Chocolate Mogul: “We sold 47 million bars and we’re just warming up” | Jake Karls, Mid-Day Squares

Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, shares his journey in building a successful chocolate brand from a humble kitchen operation to a thriving business. He discusses the power of authentic storytelling and community engagement in marketing. Jake opens up about manufacturing hurdles and the impact of rising cocoa prices, emphasizing resilience and innovation. He also touches on the importance of vulnerability in entrepreneurship and how embracing one's journey can strengthen connections. Get ready to explore the delicious world of snacking innovation!
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9 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 21min

199 - How Rolex Uses Lies, Myth, and Deception To Sell So Many Watches

Discover the fascinating marketing genius behind Rolex's $11 billion success. Learn how the brand creates scarcity through waiting lists, igniting consumer desire. Explore the power of social proof and its impact on buying behavior, with actionable tips for smaller businesses. Uncover the storytelling magic that transformed Rolex watches into status symbols, connecting emotionally with customers. Delve into the challenges luxury brands face in a commoditized world, as AI reshapes consumer preferences and trust becomes paramount.
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Jun 24, 2025 • 26min

198 - They Built a $490M Business with NO Money (using this one move)

Discover the incredible growth story of a meat stick company that soared from $35,000 to $490 million in sales. Learn about their innovative marketing strategies and how they redefined the snack market. Explore the concept of counter-positioning through the success of Native Deodorant, focusing on clean ingredients that resonated with consumers. Dive into the financial journey of two entrepreneurs who used minimal investments to achieve significant growth through premium pricing, strategic partnerships, and savvy reinvestment.
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Jun 20, 2025 • 50min

197 - "We Sold to Salesforce.com for $800M and Here's What I Learned" | Mike Lazerow

In this conversation, Mike Lazerow, a serial entrepreneur and bestselling author behind Buddy Media, shares insights from his $800M sale to Salesforce. He discusses how transformative life experiences shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Mike dives into the rollercoaster of launching ventures like golf.com amid market chaos. He also reveals what it was like to be acquired by a tech giant and the power of networking in entrepreneurship. Plus, he explores how AI is changing the startup landscape, making it easier for anyone to launch a business.
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6 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 21min

196 - He Makes $19M a Day From Trash? Yes. Here's How.

Discover how Ron Mittelstaedt transformed small-town trash companies into a $7.2 billion powerhouse. Explore the strategy of business roll-ups in fragmented markets and learn how standardized systems enhance efficiency. Dive into the profit potential of the garbage industry, where steady revenue and low churn rates dominate. Uncover the operational realities of the waste management business, from labor needs to the challenges of traditional models. This journey reveals the unexpected wealth behind what many overlook as mere refuse.
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Jun 10, 2025 • 28min

How one man bootstrapped a hotel to $260M | Harris Rosen

Discover the remarkable journey of a man who turned a dilapidated motel into a hotel empire generating $260M in annual sales. Learn how hands-on experience in daily operations enhances customer service and relationships. Explore strategic growth tactics, including seller financing and targeting Orlando's bustling tourism market. Delve into market responsiveness with lessons from Colonel Sanders, illustrating the blend of business acumen and philanthropy in creating a successful enterprise.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 41min

194 - Bobbi Brown: “I Just Wanted To Sell Lipstick — Now It’s a $1B Brand. Here’s What Happened.”

Get JD's new playbook Instagram Selling Machine here. Today, JD talks with Bobbi Brown. She's the founder of the billion-dollar makeup brand, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and later Jones Road Beauty. How did Bobbi go from a freelance makeup artist to a business mogul and the industry's first beauty influencer? Don't miss out on this story!Subscribe to JD's newsletter here.And follow JD across social: LinkedIn | Facebook | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

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