How I Built This with Guy Raz
Guy Raz | Wondery
Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their iconic brands. In each episode, founders reveal deep, intimate moments of doubt and failure, and share insights on their eventual success. How I Built This is a master-class on innovation, creativity, leadership and how to navigate challenges of all kinds.New episodes release on Mondays and Thursdays. Listen to How I Built This on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/how-i-built-this now. Get your How I Built This merch at WonderyShop.com/HowIBuiltThis.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jun 17, 2019 • 42min
Chesapeake Bay Candle: Mei Xu (2017)
Mei Xu, the founder of Chesapeake Bay Candle, shares her remarkable journey from China to the U.S. She found inspiration in Bloomingdale's and started making candles in her basement using Campbell's Soup cans. Mei discusses overcoming challenges, including setbacks at trade shows, and how a pivotal moment at the Frankfurt Trade Show changed her design strategy. She also highlights the beauty of Annapolis that inspired her brand and her transition to empowering women entrepreneurs, creating a platform for future innovators.
Jun 10, 2019 • 1h 9min
Allbirds: Tim Brown & Joey Zwillinger
Tim Brown, co-founder of Allbirds and former professional soccer player, teams up with Joey Zwillinger, a sustainability advocate. They discuss how Tim's experience crafting simple canvas shoes inspired the shift to eco-friendly merino wool. The duo shares their challenges in launching a carbon-neutral footwear brand and the importance of sustainability in their business. They reflect on pivotal moments like their successful Kickstarter campaign and how their partnership evolved, providing insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the balance between innovation and environmental responsibility.
Jun 3, 2019 • 47min
Live Episode! Tofurky: Seth Tibbott
Seth Tibbott, founder of Tofurky, shares his inspiring journey of building a plant-based powerhouse while living in unconventional setups like a barn and a treehouse. He discusses the innovative launch of the iconic Tofurky roast, which started from humble beginnings and grew amid the rising demand for vegetarian options. Tibbott reflects on his early struggles with tempeh production and the importance of family support, ultimately leading to Tofurky's massive success, now generating $40 million in annual sales.
May 27, 2019 • 1h 3min
Stacy's Pita Chips: Stacy Madison
Stacy Madison, co-founder of Stacy's Pita Chips, shares her inspiring journey from selling pita sandwiches from a hot dog cart to creating a beloved snack brand. She discusses the transformative decision to bake leftover pita into chips, which led to their exponential growth. Unexpected challenges, including a factory fire and personal changes, shaped her entrepreneurial path. Stacy reflects on the balance of hard work and luck in her success and the emotional resilience required to navigate rapid growth and partnerships.
May 20, 2019 • 33min
Zappos: Tony Hsieh (2017)
Tony Hsieh, the visionary founder of Zappos, transformed an online shoe retailer into a billion-dollar customer service powerhouse. He shares insights on the unconventional management philosophy that prioritizes happiness and employee culture over traditional structures. Hsieh reflects on overcoming early financial challenges and the joy of creating a nurturing work environment. He also delves into his belief in experiences over possessions, illustrating how these principles fueled Zappos' success and reshaped industry expectations.
May 13, 2019 • 53min
Belkin International: Chet Pipkin
Chet Pipkin, founder of Belkin International, shares his innovative journey from a young cable enthusiast to leading a global tech company. He reveals how he identified a market gap while hanging out in computer shops in the 80s. Chet discusses the emotional hurdles and family support that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. He elaborates on strategic decisions during rapid growth, including meaningful community engagement and the pivotal sale of Belkin for over $800 million. Plus, hear motivating insights on rebranding a family business into Zipper Rescue.
May 6, 2019 • 58min
Framebridge: Susan Tynan (2017)
Susan Tynan, founder of Framebridge, shares her entrepreneurial journey of creating a mail-order custom framing service after a shocking $1600 quote for four posters. She discusses overcoming initial challenges and scaling the business, while reshaping a rigid industry. Tynan emphasizes perseverance, innovative solutions to high costs, and the emotional rewards of fulfilling customers' cherished memories. Plus, a postscript highlights Len Testa's app that helps users avoid long lines at Disney parks, showcasing the intersection of creativity and convenience in business.
Apr 29, 2019 • 54min
Live Episode! Peloton: John Foley
John Foley, the co-founder and CEO of Peloton, shares his riveting journey from e-commerce executive to fitness innovator. He discusses the challenges of launching a high-tech bike that revolutionized home fitness and how he overcame initial skepticism from investors. Foley reveals the importance of community and marketing in Peloton's success and highlights the unique appeal the brand has attracted from celebrities. He also touches on the future of fitness as technology and personal connection continue to evolve.
20 snips
Apr 22, 2019 • 42min
Bumble: Whitney Wolfe (2017)
Whitney Wolfe Heard, the dynamic founder of Bumble and a key player in Tinder’s early days, shares her journey from adversity to empowerment. After facing challenges and harassment at Tinder, she launched Bumble, where women take the lead in dating. Whitney discusses the innovative design of Bumble and its mission to promote kindness. She also reflects on the app's incredible growth and its significant cultural impact. Plus, hear about Lyon's unique business of portable vinyl recording, adding a creative twist to the conversation!
Apr 15, 2019 • 1h 3min
Men's Wearhouse: George Zimmer
George Zimmer, the founder and former CEO of Men's Wearhouse, shares his journey from uncertain college graduate to retail mogul with the iconic tagline, "You're going to like the way you look. I guarantee it." He reveals how a pivotal business trip to Asia inspired his fashion venture, leading to the creation of a brand that revolutionized affordable men's suits. Zimmer discusses branding strategies, the impact of his famous slogan, and the challenges of navigating leadership changes and his eventual ousting, all while maintaining a vision for confident customer experiences.
