My First Million

Peter Dering, Founder and CEO of Peak Design, shares his inspiring journey from construction worker to innovator in camera equipment. He reveals how a simple idea led to a $70 million revenue business, all bootstrapped with just $25K. Dering discusses the power of Kickstarter, unique product designs like his travel tripod, and how he intertwined sustainability into his business model. He also explains the importance of collaboration, customer feedback, and maintaining a vision of social responsibility while growing a successful brand.

The hosts dive into standout technologies from CES, showcasing innovations like personalized ticketing systems. They discuss the booming growth of D2C brands and the audacious approach of cloning successful U.S. startups abroad. The conversation shifts to the lucrative potential of trade shows and the need for robust compliance education in companies. Personal aspirations for the future are explored, emphasizing the importance of investing in knowledge and education for business success.

Vlad Magdalin, Co-founder and CEO of Webflow, shares his journey of building a no-code platform that skyrocketed to $20MM in revenue. He discusses the emotional ups and downs of securing funding, including the rollercoaster ride with Y Combinator. Vlad reveals what it took to captivate investors and the persistent spirit needed to overcome setbacks. The conversation emphasizes the revolutionary potential of no-code tools, empowering creators to innovate without traditional coding barriers, and fostering a collaborative community.

Scott Belsky, founder of Behance and Chief Product Officer at Adobe, dives deep into the world of creativity and investment. He candidly discusses the often-overlooked struggles of the 'messy middle' in entrepreneurship. Belsky shares strategies for balancing professional responsibilities and personal well-being. The conversation also touches on the evolution of tech design and the importance of building meaningful relationships in the industry. Get ready for insights that blend creativity with savvy investment strategies!

Mike Brown, an ex-military man turned entrepreneur, shares his journey of transforming small mineral rights into a thriving oil and gas business. He discusses finding overlooked opportunities in real estate and the core values of building a fulfilling company with friends and family. His insights on balancing hustle with personal fulfillment offer a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship. Mike highlights the importance of high standards, team accountability, and the significance of community in personal growth, redefining success beyond mere ambition.

Aaron Hinde, the founder of LifeAid, shares his journey of creating a thriving functional beverage brand valued at over $100 million. He discusses his innovative approach to developing clean energy drinks and the shift from retail to direct marketing through niche markets like CrossFit gyms. Hinde also reveals his personal decision to live off the grid, focusing on sustainability and health. The conversation touches on the challenges of building a brand that competes with giants like Red Bull while promoting ethical practices in the beverage industry.

Dive into the world of powder diets and their health benefits! Discover the allure of turnkey Instagrammable experiences and how businesses are cashing in on them. Learn about the crucial link between distribution strategies and product success, showcasing how even lesser-quality items can thrive with the right marketing. Explore the growing glamping trend—luxury camping for the modern adventurer—and unravel the complexities of direct-to-consumer challenges in today’s economy. Tune in for fresh business ideas and cultural insights!

Carey Smith, founder and CEO of Big Ass Fans, shares his journey of transforming a small ceiling fan company into a $500 million giant. He discusses the game-changing rebranding strategy that made 'Ass' a marketing win, leading to skyrocketing sales. Carey emphasizes the importance of employee empowerment, sharing $50M post-sale and fostering a growth-oriented culture. He details unique negotiation strategies that led to an unexpected but lucrative exit, while showcasing how innovating in mundane industries can lead to remarkable success.

Faraz Jaka is a professional poker player with over $10 million in career earnings and a compelling journey from college novice to high-stakes pro. He shares how he turned a few hundred dollars into $180k at just 19, revealing the highs of fame and the lows of debt and depression. Faraz emphasizes using the '+EV' decision-making method and discusses the importance of emotional resilience in poker. He also highlights how mindfulness and meditation transformed his approach to stress and life, making for an intriguing blend of lessons from the poker table and personal growth.

The hosts dive into the intriguing world of online business ideas, showcasing a tool that reveals top Shopify stores. They explore the booming trend of indoor plants and innovative companies like Mindbloom that integrate psychedelics into therapy. A unique exercise machine gets attention for promising intense workouts in mere minutes. Additionally, there's a discussion on niche fitness gadgets and the potential for creating impactful content with minimal investment, emphasizing community connections and upcoming meetups.