Foundr Magazine Podcast | Learn From Successful Founders & Proven Entrepreneurs, The Ultimate Startup Podcast For Business

In this episode, Nick Sharma, founder of Sharma Brands, shares his incredible journey from managing celebrity social media accounts as a teenager to becoming one of the most sought-after names in direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing. Nick dives into the strategies that helped him scale brands like Hint Water and Feastables, including the importance of building trust, leveraging content for conversions, and mastering customer retention. Entrepreneurs will gain actionable insights into creating standout DTC brands, understanding the power of creative content, and executing innovative marketing campaigns. Listen to Nathan and Nick discuss: - How Nick turned his passion for social media into a thriving career in DTC marketing - Scaling Hint Water’s online presence from 80 to 5,000 new customers a day - The secrets behind Feastables’ record-breaking launch on Shopify - Practical tips for building trust and creating organic content that drives sales - Nick’s “Grandma Test” and “Drunk Funnel Test” for ensuring seaml

In this episode, Iris Smit, founder of The Quick Flick, shares her inspiring journey of creating a multi-million dollar beauty empire from her dorm room. Iris opens up about her struggles with self-doubt, turning down a Shark Tank deal, and hitting rock bottom before rebuilding her business from the ground up. Learn how Iris leveraged influencer marketing, radical transparency, and community engagement to grow her brand organically. This episode is packed with actionable insights on resilience, innovation, and building a standout brand in a competitive market.. Listen to Nathan and Iris discuss: - How Iris bootstrapped The Quick Flick with $10,000 - Leveraging influencer marketing to create viral moments - Turning down a Shark Tank deal and navigating the aftermath - The role of authenticity and storytelling in brand building - Scaling a beauty brand while maintaining a lean team - Expanding into new product categories and markets - And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for

✅ Want all-access to step-by-step training from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders? Start your Foundr+ $1 trial today → http://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial ✅ Prefer 1-on-1 mentorship to launch or scale your brand faster? Apply for eCommerce coaching: → Starting your ecom biz? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application → Already selling and want to scale? https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application What You’ll Learn in This Episode In this episode, Aimee Smale, founder of Odd Muse, shares how she went from designing £10 logos to building a £24M self-funded fashion brand. She reveals: ✅ How she launched Odd Muse with just £12,000 and no investors ✅ The pre-order strategy she used to scale profitably ✅ How she handled copycats like PrettyLittleThing ✅ The power of organic influencer marketing ✅ Her approach to community-driven brand building If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build a high-growth eCommerce brand, this interview is packed with insights on organic marketing, brand positioning, and s

In this episode, Mike Smith, founder of Zero Co, shares how a backpacking trip around the world turned into a mission to solve the plastic waste crisis. Mike walks us through the early days of bootstrapping the business with his last $100K, moving back in with his parents, and how he raised over $750K through Australia's most successful Kickstarter campaign. He dives deep into the challenges of supply chain innovation, the power of radical transparency, and the tough decision to completely overhaul Zero Co’s business model after discovering flaws in its sustainability approach. Entrepreneurs will learn firsthand how to balance purpose with profitability, navigate manufacturing setbacks, and use community-driven marketing to build a loyal customer base. Listen to Nathan and Mike discuss: - The journey from an 18-month backpacking trip to launching Zero Co - Bootstrapping with $100K and leveraging crowdfunding to raise $750K - The importance of radical transparency in customer communication - Scaling a pr

In this episode, Cassey Ho, founder of POPFLEX and Blogilates, shares her journey from rock bottom to building two eight-figure brands. Discover how Cassey combined her passion for fitness and design to create unique products that solve real problems. She opens up about overcoming toxic environments, handling copycats, and the challenges of scaling while maintaining authenticity. Listen to how Taylor Swift’s unexpected endorsement of her signature skort skyrocketed demand and why community trust remains her greatest asset. Entrepreneurs will gain actionable insights on building brands, creating viral content, and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Listen to Nathan and Cassey discuss: - How Cassey started Blogilates with a single YouTube video in 2009 and turned it into a fitness empire - The pivotal moment when Taylor Swift wore a POPFLEX skort, leading to 20,000 preorders - Cassey’s transparency about reaching rock bottom and how her husband’s encouragement led to a business turnaround -

In this episode, Caleb Marshall, founder of Tropeaka, opens up about his journey from battling chronic fatigue to building a global health brand. After discovering the life-changing benefits of quality nutrition, Caleb and his co-founder launched Tropeaka to make healthy living accessible and appealing. Caleb shares his insights on scaling a brand with no initial marketing budget, leveraging influencer marketing, and competing in a saturated wellness market. Listen to Nathan & Caleb discuss: - Caleb’s personal health journey and how it inspired Tropeaka - Leveraging influencer marketing in the early days to grow on a budget - Insights into product development and creating high-quality superfoods - Lessons in competing in a saturated health market with a unique brand identity - Strategies for customer retention and building a loyal community And much more entrepreneurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from

In 2014, Erin Deering gifted Triangl swimwear to relatively unknown legacy celebrities Hailey Bieber (Baldwin) and Bella Hadid. Their friend, Kendall Jenner, loved the products and reached out to Erin directly to get Triangl samples. Then Jenner posted on Instagram and tagged Triangl–that’s when everything went mad. But the success of Triangl didn’t come from just celebrity endorsements. It came from developing a product that looked and felt like nothing else before. In 2018, Erin exited the business, but that’s when she stepped back and learned more about who she is as an entrepreneur and person outside of the multi-million dollar brand she built. Listen to Nathan and Erin discuss: How Triangl started on a second date at the beach When their manufacturer stole their idea Why businesses undervalue word of mouth Their “one bikini sale a day” mindset Connecting with Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and the Kardashians Dealing with copycats and competitors How they stayed lean amongst extreme growth Her ment

We're diving back into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit my interview with Mitch Harper, founder of BigCommerce - as well as a long-time mentor and coach of mine who has been driving force behind Foundr’s success.  In this episode, Mitch Harper takes us behind the scenes of his incredible entrepreneurial journey. From building software at the age of 12 to co-founding one of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms, Mitch shares the strategies and lessons that helped him scale BigCommerce from a bootstrapped startup to a billion-dollar company. He discusses the importance of mitigating risk in business, why he avoided venture capital for as long as possible, and how he cultivated a leadership style that allowed his team to thrive. Listeners will learn actionable insights into scaling a SaaS business, mastering e-commerce, and building a strong company culture. In this interview you will learn: - The journey of bootstrapping BigCommerce and raising $250 million - The importance of mitigating

Kendra Scott started her self-titled billion-dollar jewelry business out of failure. Her first business failed after 5 years, and she started selling handmade jewelry door-to-door as a side hustle. Now, Kendra Scott Jewelry is a billion-dollar business with 100 retail locations across the US. But success didn't come quickly. Through personal struggles, recessions, and rejections, Scott built a fashion business driven by an unforgettable customer experience. Listen to Nathan and Kendra discuss: - What she learned from her failed business - Fundraising and dealing with rejection - The best piece of business advice she still follows - Shifting her business model from wholesale to retail - The nightclub atmosphere of Kendra Scott stores - How philanthropy creates customer loyalty - How to weather the storm as a founder - Her new entrepreneurial memoir Born to Shine And much more founder advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven

In 2024, we had our most raw, insightful and relevant conversations with founders to date. To cap off the year, we've compiled their most impactful lessons, stories, and business advice into a final episode for 2024. In this exclusive episode, you'll gain valuable insights from: Eric pulls back the curtain on his wild partnership with Kanye West, from creative genius to unpredictable challenges at Adidas. Allison bets big on a last-minute Super Bowl ad for Poppy, skyrocketing brand recognition with a bold move that paid off​. Noah breaks down how taking action and validating ideas early separates successful entrepreneurs from those stuck in limbo​. Shay brings her brand to life through bold, immersive pop-up experiences, blurring the lines between retail and entertainment​. Alicia turns a trademark lawsuit into a blessing, rebranding her company as Range Beauty and making inclusivity her secret weapon​. Guy recounts a high-stakes encounter with Steve Jobs, revealing how brutal honesty and tough leadership s

In this episode, Codie Sanchez, founder of Contrarian Thinking, reveals how she built a media company that inspires millions to think differently about wealth. Codie shares her journey from journalist to investment executive and now entrepreneur, owning over 25 cash-flowing businesses. She dives into the strategies behind her acquisitions, the importance of owning "boring businesses," and how she turned Contrarian Thinking into a thriving community. Entrepreneurs will learn actionable insights about identifying opportunities, scaling unconventional business ideas, and creating wealth through innovative approaches. Listen to Nathan and Codie discuss: - Codie’s transition from corporate finance to entrepreneurship - The strategy of buying "boring businesses" and turning them into cash cows - How Contrarian Thinking became a platform for alternative financial education - Tips on identifying undervalued businesses and scaling them for profitability - The role of mindset and resilience in building financial free

By now, the story is legend. When Drew Houston boarded a bus from Boston to New York and discovered that he had—yet again—forgotten to bring his thumb drive, he was frustrated. So frustrated that he sat down and began writing the first lines of code of what would eventually become Dropbox. After over a decade of changing the way files are stored, synced, and shared, Houston is changing the way people work, once again. This time, to solve a problem that likely plagues every single knowledge worker today: our fragmented, overcomplicated workspaces. In this episode, you’ll learn more about Houston’s journey—from ideation to launch—with Dropbox Spaces, as well as the most important lessons he’s collected while building a multibillion-dollar company. Listen to Nathan and Drew discuss: The relatable experience that inspired Houston to come up with the idea for Dropbox Why Houston doesn’t believe there’s any “magic” involved in building a multibillion-dollar company The importance of decision making and learni

Join us as we dive into the world of craft gin with Matt Jones, co-founder of Four Pillars Gin. Matt shares the origins of the brand, born from a passion for storytelling and a commitment to craft. Discover how Four Pillars has grown from a small distillery in the Yarra Valley to a globally recognized name in spirits. Learn about the early challenges, the decision to focus solely on gin, and the strategic moves that set the company apart, including their innovative crowdfunding approach and partnerships. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into building a brand with purpose, scaling without losing authenticity, and leveraging community to drive success. Listen to Nathan and Matt discuss: - The decision to focus exclusively on gin and its impact on branding - Leveraging crowdfunding to build a passionate community of early adopters - Strategies for maintaining authenticity while scaling a craft brand - Insights into brand storytelling and creating emotional connections with customers - The role of partnerships

In just nine years, Nik Mirkovic and Alex Tomic built their smile care brand into a category disruptor on track to earn over a billion in annual revenue by next year. Mirkovic and Tomic don’t want shortcuts, so they’ve remained bootstrapped since they started Hismile at ages 19 and 20. Hismile’s teeth-whitening kit has become an internet sensation, making the brand a favorite among influencers and celebrities. But the co-founders aren’t resting on success. They want to make Hismile a category champion and take on businesses with an extra century of experience. Listen to Nathan, Nik, and Alex discuss: Why living on the Gold Coast keeps them focused Growing up together and having a passion for competition Narrowing in on teeth whitening as a problem to solve Formulating their first product and its overnight success Bringing R&D in-house and shifting their business model Why character matters more than experience Taking on category giants like Colgate and Crest Why they have no plans to sell And much more pro

In this episode, Alicia Scott, founder of Range Beauty, shares her journey from fashion professional to beauty entrepreneur. Alicia reveals how her own skin struggles led to the creation of a brand focused on inclusivity and clean beauty. Discover how Alicia bootstrapped her business with just $150, overcame challenges like a cease-and-desist, and navigated pivotal moments such as appearing on Shark Tank and landing a deal with Emma Grede. Listen to Nathan and Alicia discuss: - Starting Range Beauty with minimal capital and scaling to a multi million-dollar brand - Alicia’s strategy for developing inclusive and clean beauty products - Navigating setbacks like trademark issues and rebranding - The impact of social media and influencer marketing in driving early sales - Insights into retail partnerships with Target and Sephora and the importance of accelerators And much more beauty brand advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven s

In this episode, Carl Daikeler, founder of Bodi, shares his journey from creating fitness infomercials to building a brand synonymous with home workouts. Carl reveals his path to success, from collaborating with fitness experts like Tony Horton to launching iconic programs like P90X and Insanity. He discusses the power of understanding consumer psychology, evolving with the digital age, and fostering a community of fitness enthusiasts. Entrepreneurs will gain insights into Carl’s approach to creating and marketing products that truly resonate, and the importance of resilience and adapting business models for long-term growth.. Listen to Nathan & Carl discuss: - How Carl’s initial struggles with fitness shaped his understanding of customer needs - The story behind the creation of P90X and its groundbreaking “muscle confusion” technique - Navigating challenges in a crowded fitness market and making bold business decisions - Insights on shifting from traditional media to digital platforms and subscription mod

In this episode, Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, takes us through his journey from a collegiate athlete struggling with overtraining to building one of the most advanced wearable brands in the world. Will shares how he identified gaps in health monitoring, developed early prototypes of WHOOP, and secured partnerships with sports icons like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo. Listen to Nathan & Will discuss: - Will’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur and the origins of WHOOP - How WHOOP evolved from a research project to a leading wearable brand - The role of data and physiological metrics in enhancing health and performance - Insights into raising capital and securing partnerships with top athletes - Lessons on resilience, stress management, and maintaining founder well-being And much more entreprenurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies from founders like our guest today and support and advice fro

In this episode, Ruslan Kogan, founder and CEO of Kogan.com, dives into his journey from selling electronics out of his parents’ garage to building one of Australia’s most successful e-commerce brands. Ruslan shares key insights on identifying market gaps, the importance of customer focus, and how he scaled Kogan.com by challenging traditional retail norms. He also discusses the power of data-driven decision-making, his early struggles with capital, and the lessons learned from rapidly scaling a business. Listen to Nathan & Ruslan discuss: - The early days of Kogan.com and starting a business from scratch - Identifying market gaps and leveraging customer insights - The role of data in guiding business decisions and scaling - Strategies for building a customer-first brand in e-commerce - Lessons on resilience and navigating challenges as an entrepreneur - Strategic growth and Kogan.com’s approach to expanding product offerings And much more entreprenurial advice... Click here to start your business for $1.

In this episode, Adam Schwab, founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, shares his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings to creating one of the leading travel brands in the world. Adam reflects on the strategic decisions that helped him scale the business, including early challenges, pivotal business shifts, and successful acquisitions. He provides insights into how he built Luxury Escapes into a trusted brand known for premium travel experiences and shares advice on maintaining long-term growth in a competitive industry. Listen to Nathan and Adam discuss: - Adam’s journey from lawyer to entrepreneur - Critical pivots that led to Luxury Escapes’ success - Strategic acquisitions that helped scale the business - Navigating the travel industry during the Covid-19 crisis - Building a brand and maintaining customer loyalty in a competitive market - Key lessons on resilience and adapting to changes as an entrepreneur And much more business advice… Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access

We're diving back into another episode from the Foundr Archives to revisit my interview with Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix. It’s every entrepreneur’s dream: create a product that is so disruptive to an industry, that it forces a shift in how we do business. Be so good, that they can’t ignore you, and they have to completely reimagine the way they do things in order to compete with you. That’s what Netflix did. Randolph has been an entrepreneur for over 40 years before the word “entrepreneur” was even a thing. With an insight into the business game like no other, Randolph knows the importance of action and acceleration colliding with ideas. Listen in as Randolph reveals his journey, from failed business ideas and last-minute pivots, to being laughed at during a $50m pitch with Blockbuster. Find out why he believes that the most important step in having an idea is to start. Click here to start your business for $1. You’ll get all-access foundr+, where you’ll find more in-depth, proven strategies f