00:00

You're so bad at telling your own story.

You're so bad at telling your own story.

00:02

Well, you just said the intro. This is in my story. You wanted to tell me. Well, well,

Well, you just said the intro. This is in my story. You wanted to tell me. Well, well,

00:07

Yeah. I would say I started a quilting company called Missouri quilting. Missouri star quilt company. Missouri star quilt company.

Yeah. I would say I started a quilting company called Missouri quilting. Missouri star quilt company. Missouri star quilt company.

00:14

It's it's a behemoth of a quilting company. Can you say what the revenues are? Yes. It's the biggest. Let's first start with that. It is the biggest. It's the biggest. It's the biggest. It's, let's see. We're we're four hundred some employees over a hundred million in revenue. Like, it's a it's a big able it's a big able.

It's it's a behemoth of a quilting company. Can you say what the revenues are? Yes. It's the biggest. Let's first start with that. It is the biggest. It's the biggest. It's the biggest. It's, let's see. We're we're four hundred some employees over a hundred million in revenue. Like, it's a it's a big able it's a big able.

00:36

We're live, by the way. This is it. This is the pie. Okay. Okay. This is how Wait. How did you

We're live, by the way. This is it. This is the pie. Okay. Okay. This is how Wait. How did you

00:40

meet gotta keep the Hubastank story in. At least it'd be like one of our could you just just get it? Preciously say it again. Yeah. Say it again funny. It will not just exact same joke. The show was when we started the hustle, we would, for some reason, I picked Hoobus Tank as the band that I liked.

meet gotta keep the Hubastank story in. At least it'd be like one of our could you just just get it? Preciously say it again. Yeah. Say it again funny. It will not just exact same joke. The show was when we started the hustle, we would, for some reason, I picked Hoobus Tank as the band that I liked.

00:57

Like, if we don't have pick a band when you start a company. No. No. No. It's like, what there's no form you gotta fill out. Like, what's the band? What's the tree?

Like, if we don't have pick a band when you start a company. No. No. No. It's like, what there's no form you gotta fill out. Like, what's the band? What's the tree?

01:06

It was like our insider's joke. And we in the email, we would be like, you know, like, this young kid who just raised a bunch of funding, like, he's gonna be one of the greats, like, Elon,

It was like our insider's joke. And we in the email, we would be like, you know, like, this young kid who just raised a bunch of funding, like, he's gonna be one of the greats, like, Elon,

01:15

like, Steve Jobs or or Hoobastank or, you know, like, slimming in. When people notice, would you get replies? They're like, what the crappy sign? Every once in a while. So I put it on my LinkedIn. I put that I'm the the webmaster of the Hoobistank fan club dot com. And I When you endorse skill. It's, like, good at hubeistinking. Well, and when I wanted to, like, make a joke with someone, I would email them from Sam at hubeistank fan club dot com. You own that. Yeah. Yeah. I still have it.

like, Steve Jobs or or Hoobastank or, you know, like, slimming in. When people notice, would you get replies? They're like, what the crappy sign? Every once in a while. So I put it on my LinkedIn. I put that I'm the the webmaster of the Hoobistank fan club dot com. And I When you endorse skill. It's, like, good at hubeistinking. Well, and when I wanted to, like, make a joke with someone, I would email them from Sam at hubeistank fan club dot com. You own that. Yeah. Yeah. I still have it.

01:41

Still, I keep renewing it.

Still, I keep renewing it.

01:43

Just in case. That's nine dollars for a great joke. It's still going. Wait. So, dude, you gotta give your intro. Who are you? What do you would you say you do? Oh, yeah. Yeah.

Just in case. That's nine dollars for a great joke. It's still going. Wait. So, dude, you gotta give your intro. Who are you? What do you would you say you do? Oh, yeah. Yeah.

01:52

I'm Aldone.

I'm Aldone.

01:54

What do I do? I, not not

What do I do? I, not not

01:57

as much right now. I just shut down a, a software company. I own or I'm the owner and the executive chairman of, of creativity Inc, which is know, it's got a quilting company, a big quilting company, and a a knitting company, and in our company,

as much right now. I just shut down a, a software company. I own or I'm the owner and the executive chairman of, of creativity Inc, which is know, it's got a quilting company, a big quilting company, and a a knitting company, and in our company,

02:10

a lot of stuff in that space. Dude, you're so bad at telling your own story.

a lot of stuff in that space. Dude, you're so bad at telling your own story.

02:14

Well, you just said the intro. I mean, this is in my story. You want me to tell. Well, well, I would say, yeah, I would say I started a quilting company called Missouri quilting. Missouri star quilt company. Missouri Star quilt company.

Well, you just said the intro. I mean, this is in my story. You want me to tell. Well, well, I would say, yeah, I would say I started a quilting company called Missouri quilting. Missouri star quilt company. Missouri Star quilt company.

02:26

It's it's a behemoth of a quilting company. Can you say what the revenues are? Yes. Well, it's the biggest. Let's first start with that. It is the biggest. It's the biggest. It's the biggest. It's, let's see. We're we're four hundred some employees over a hundred million in revenue Like, it's a it's a big award. It's a big award. You own the largest quilting company of the world. It does over a hundred million dollars in revenue, and you also have now bought

It's it's a behemoth of a quilting company. Can you say what the revenues are? Yes. Well, it's the biggest. Let's first start with that. It is the biggest. It's the biggest. It's the biggest. It's, let's see. We're we're four hundred some employees over a hundred million in revenue Like, it's a it's a big award. It's a big award. You own the largest quilting company of the world. It does over a hundred million dollars in revenue, and you also have now bought

02:48

to towns. It was so so the quilting company in Hamilton, right? We we bought the entire downtown district. So twenty seven buildings downtown. Because you tour because that's awesome. No. This was the so, like, when we started this quilt company, the the challenge is, like, there's thirty five hundred quilt companies in in America Right? Like, they're in every little city. And you're saying that, like, we know that. You're, like, right? You know,

to towns. It was so so the quilting company in Hamilton, right? We we bought the entire downtown district. So twenty seven buildings downtown. Because you tour because that's awesome. No. This was the so, like, when we started this quilt company, the the challenge is, like, there's thirty five hundred quilt companies in in America Right? Like, they're in every little city. And you're saying that, like, we know that. You're, like, right? You know,

03:10

with me, right? The thirty five hundred and one doesn't really pull the eyeballs in. And so I, like, there's no ESPN for quilters. Right? I can't just go advertise for this. And so I'm, like, how and what were we gonna get this? And so our, like, we were in this little town. We, we, we grew big enough online that we had to, like, like, we couldn't fit all the the inventory in our space

with me, right? The thirty five hundred and one doesn't really pull the eyeballs in. And so I, like, there's no ESPN for quilters. Right? I can't just go advertise for this. And so I'm, like, how and what were we gonna get this? And so our, like, we were in this little town. We, we, we grew big enough online that we had to, like, like, we couldn't fit all the the inventory in our space

03:32

or in our in our store. And because, like, we could either go open a warehouse

or in our in our store. And because, like, we could either go open a warehouse

03:36

which would have been the normal same thing to do. Or we're like we're like, man, it's awesome because when people come to our town, there's normally no cuts customers. And so, like, the the impression you get, if you walked in there, it was just retail. It's like nobody's here, and this is really sucky. And so, Instead, we had like twelve people cutting and fulfilling fires. So you'd walk in and there's like this energy, this buzz that was happening in the shop. And so we split it out and bought or and bought the the next building over and put fabric in there. And then I was like, man,

which would have been the normal same thing to do. Or we're like we're like, man, it's awesome because when people come to our town, there's normally no cuts customers. And so, like, the the impression you get, if you walked in there, it was just retail. It's like nobody's here, and this is really sucky. And so, Instead, we had like twelve people cutting and fulfilling fires. So you'd walk in and there's like this energy, this buzz that was happening in the shop. And so we split it out and bought or and bought the the next building over and put fabric in there. And then I was like, man,

04:04

who has the most quilt shops of any town in the world? Right? Like, that was, like, It's the biggest wooden nickel in Minnesota. This was gonna be my thing. And, some town in Germany, I think had four, and I was like, we're gonna we're gonna take it to sleep. You wanted to create a tourist destination

who has the most quilt shops of any town in the world? Right? Like, that was, like, It's the biggest wooden nickel in Minnesota. This was gonna be my thing. And, some town in Germany, I think had four, and I was like, we're gonna we're gonna take it to sleep. You wanted to create a tourist destination

04:17

Yeah. You you're quilting. Just just be a novelty. Right? It was just supposed to be a novelty. And so then we ended up dollywood or whatever. It's, like, so then, like, if you're driving by on the highway, you're, like, you're, like, The most. Are you kidding me? Alright. Let's be gonna see him. Yeah. And so in in that process, dude, we got, like, we people were coming to town. We only have, subway in the gas station for food. So we started restaurants, and we've gotta sleep and so. We're like, it's a slumber party for ladies to come and they you're saying it right now, like, it's, like, you know, this is a natural thing to do, but, like, the first part of the idea, which is, like, let's create the town with the most. Let's create a tourist destination. That's not what companies do. So you you have this idea from where, and then aren't people saying,

Yeah. You you're quilting. Just just be a novelty. Right? It was just supposed to be a novelty. And so then we ended up dollywood or whatever. It's, like, so then, like, if you're driving by on the highway, you're, like, you're, like, The most. Are you kidding me? Alright. Let's be gonna see him. Yeah. And so in in that process, dude, we got, like, we people were coming to town. We only have, subway in the gas station for food. So we started restaurants, and we've gotta sleep and so. We're like, it's a slumber party for ladies to come and they you're saying it right now, like, it's, like, you know, this is a natural thing to do, but, like, the first part of the idea, which is, like, let's create the town with the most. Let's create a tourist destination. That's not what companies do. So you you have this idea from where, and then aren't people saying,

04:57

yo, this is crazy. We don't have to do this. You know, Do you and your family own the whole thing? Yeah. Yeah. So you're able to do crazy shit like this. Well well, we're bootstrap, but, like, dude, fabric, a fabric company is a hard thing to bootstrap because, like, like, fabric, you order your fabric six months before you get it. We're growing two hundred percent a year. We gotta hold the fabric for nine months, recover your your initial cost in the first ninety days. Right? That you can cover terms. And, like, it's like a really complicated we're betting the farm every three months. And, like, if we're wrong, we go on if you do a hundred and fifty million in revenue, how much, EBITDA can you do?

yo, this is crazy. We don't have to do this. You know, Do you and your family own the whole thing? Yeah. Yeah. So you're able to do crazy shit like this. Well well, we're bootstrap, but, like, dude, fabric, a fabric company is a hard thing to bootstrap because, like, like, fabric, you order your fabric six months before you get it. We're growing two hundred percent a year. We gotta hold the fabric for nine months, recover your your initial cost in the first ninety days. Right? That you can cover terms. And, like, it's like a really complicated we're betting the farm every three months. And, like, if we're wrong, we go on if you do a hundred and fifty million in revenue, how much, EBITDA can you do?

05:30

Is so we're like a normal e commerce or like e commerce business. So our goal is about twenty percent. We're not there yet, especially this year. Right? But, like, well, like, that's where we that's where we'll end up. But then you take the profits out and buy. Yeah. I've made, like, seven nickels a a lot of that. I pay myself a fine salary, but, like, but, like, all the money goes back in. Right? Next purchase order. Next purchase order. Well, because because we're growing by significant amounts every year, most of that gets tied up in inventory. In two years, what do you think you could sell the business for? Well, our goal right now may well, I I I think we can get twenty percent growth, for a couple of years, right, which should move our valuation like a five x revenue.

Is so we're like a normal e commerce or like e commerce business. So our goal is about twenty percent. We're not there yet, especially this year. Right? But, like, well, like, that's where we that's where we'll end up. But then you take the profits out and buy. Yeah. I've made, like, seven nickels a a lot of that. I pay myself a fine salary, but, like, but, like, all the money goes back in. Right? Next purchase order. Next purchase order. Well, because because we're growing by significant amounts every year, most of that gets tied up in inventory. In two years, what do you think you could sell the business for? Well, our goal right now may well, I I I think we can get twenty percent growth, for a couple of years, right, which should move our valuation like a five x revenue.

06:08

So, like, a billion dollar Yeah. That's the that's the idea. How many,

So, like, a billion dollar Yeah. That's the that's the idea. How many,

06:12

is your, like, is it, like, your wife or your sister, your mom? Who who owns the shareholders? Like, your whole family's gonna get Yeah. So it's me and my sister, my buddy Dave, are the, are the are the main ones, and then, like, all of our families. Just this year, just this year, we cut in, like, all of our employees have been there for any kind of time. And that's a cool feeling. But you started it with your mom or your mom started and you tell that a little bit. So

is your, like, is it, like, your wife or your sister, your mom? Who who owns the shareholders? Like, your whole family's gonna get Yeah. So it's me and my sister, my buddy Dave, are the, are the are the main ones, and then, like, all of our families. Just this year, just this year, we cut in, like, all of our employees have been there for any kind of time. And that's a cool feeling. But you started it with your mom or your mom started and you tell that a little bit. So

06:34

the idea me and my sister have been talking about starting a company for a while.

the idea me and my sister have been talking about starting a company for a while.

06:38

I was I was like a year out of college. Right? And so, like, I I was,

I was I was like a year out of college. Right? And so, like, I I was,

06:42

I don't know. Everybody's sort of an entrepreneur right out of college. That's what I'm gonna do, and and we were sort of that same way. And my mom had taken a quilt into the quilt. She's you sew the top together and take it to elated. It's got a big forty thousand dollar machine, and they're gonna stitch all the the the back and the fluffy stuff in the middle and the top, they're gonna stitch it all together. And this lady was out a year. And she's like, oh, I made your sister a quilt. I took it in. Get it back in, you know, two thousand eight, and I'm like, nothing takes a year to do. Like, you can build a house in less time than it takes to get this quilt done. And so Either she's terrible or there's a lot of demand. Well, well, by the way, because that was literally my market research. I was like,

I don't know. Everybody's sort of an entrepreneur right out of college. That's what I'm gonna do, and and we were sort of that same way. And my mom had taken a quilt into the quilt. She's you sew the top together and take it to elated. It's got a big forty thousand dollar machine, and they're gonna stitch all the the the back and the fluffy stuff in the middle and the top, they're gonna stitch it all together. And this lady was out a year. And she's like, oh, I made your sister a quilt. I took it in. Get it back in, you know, two thousand eight, and I'm like, nothing takes a year to do. Like, you can build a house in less time than it takes to get this quilt done. And so Either she's terrible or there's a lot of demand. Well, well, by the way, because that was literally my market research. I was like,

07:21

there is gonna be a market here for this. Are there others? She's like, yeah, everybody's back And when you say quilt, like, literally just a blanket. Right? Shut up. Okay. How dare you? Yeah. It's also quilt. It's, like,

there is gonna be a market here for this. Are there others? She's like, yeah, everybody's back And when you say quilt, like, literally just a blanket. Right? Shut up. Okay. How dare you? Yeah. It's also quilt. It's, like,

07:32

but I mean, like, quilt, like, because I don't people, like, hang shit on their walls. Yeah. Yes. So that some people have, like, a decorative quilt, and that some people, like, I had a quilt, like, comforter. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's exactly that. And like my mom's schtick,

but I mean, like, quilt, like, because I don't people, like, hang shit on their walls. Yeah. Yes. So that some people have, like, a decorative quilt, and that some people, like, I had a quilt, like, comforter. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's exactly that. And like my mom's schtick,

07:45

is she's like she's like the McDonald's of quilting, right? Cause not quilting, like most of these hobbies are very

is she's like she's like the McDonald's of quilting, right? Cause not quilting, like most of these hobbies are very

07:51

like, I don't know, like, very defined, you know, there's there's a quilt police that's gonna come and get you if the if the seams are off or whatever. Right? And if your points don't match, And every I feel like getting into any hobby, there's that sentiment that you're like, I can't go to the group yet. I'm not good enough. Right. And so, mom's like, no, finish is better and perfect. Look, and our big innovation, do we made like, the the legal blocks of quilting. Right? So it's a pack of five inch squares and pack of ten inch squares and you sew them together and cut them like this in a whack, it makes it this. And so, like, really simple tricks and techniques. She was a costumer

like, I don't know, like, very defined, you know, there's there's a quilt police that's gonna come and get you if the if the seams are off or whatever. Right? And if your points don't match, And every I feel like getting into any hobby, there's that sentiment that you're like, I can't go to the group yet. I'm not good enough. Right. And so, mom's like, no, finish is better and perfect. Look, and our big innovation, do we made like, the the legal blocks of quilting. Right? So it's a pack of five inch squares and pack of ten inch squares and you sew them together and cut them like this in a whack, it makes it this. And so, like, really simple tricks and techniques. She was a costumer

08:24

when we were kids. You're saying McDonald's because he, like, kind of, made a process out of a burger making a process where it's, like, everybody can make this burger. Well, no, I'm saying McDonald's because it's, like, it's, like, Not fancy. Right? It's not you're not spending a lot on it. It's like it's you're trying to do it to get to the it's serving the purpose of filling you with food. Right. I mean, I mean, it's funny because like quilting, I never thought that, you know, quilt my my business buddies and stuff will sort of laugh at, like, my whiteboards, like, layer cakes up seventeen percent. Turn overs down, you know, jelly rolls. We gotta get these back. You know, it's like it's it's all sort of, you know, goofy terms for people that aren't in the space. But, like, man, it's it's a forty five to seventy year old demographic is the majority of my customers, and there are so few people building awesome experiences for them that, like, I I

when we were kids. You're saying McDonald's because he, like, kind of, made a process out of a burger making a process where it's, like, everybody can make this burger. Well, no, I'm saying McDonald's because it's, like, it's, like, Not fancy. Right? It's not you're not spending a lot on it. It's like it's you're trying to do it to get to the it's serving the purpose of filling you with food. Right. I mean, I mean, it's funny because like quilting, I never thought that, you know, quilt my my business buddies and stuff will sort of laugh at, like, my whiteboards, like, layer cakes up seventeen percent. Turn overs down, you know, jelly rolls. We gotta get these back. You know, it's like it's it's all sort of, you know, goofy terms for people that aren't in the space. But, like, man, it's it's a forty five to seventy year old demographic is the majority of my customers, and there are so few people building awesome experiences for them that, like, I I

09:09

I feel like a, you know, a lion among sheep, and they're just like, we're gonna build amazing great experiences for these people. And Sam's ratio, that is

I feel like a, you know, a lion among sheep, and they're just like, we're gonna build amazing great experiences for these people. And Sam's ratio, that is

09:18

a dwarf amongst midgets, is that what's that your phrase? Yeah. No. Everybody normally says that. A dwarf amongst midgets, it's very clever. It's not that's it's not allowed anymore, but

a dwarf amongst midgets, is that what's that your phrase? Yeah. No. Everybody normally says that. A dwarf amongst midgets, it's very clever. It's not that's it's not allowed anymore, but

09:28

We're both missourians. We probably grew up in somewhat similar environments, and that was a phrase. And I, like, that and, like

We're both missourians. We probably grew up in somewhat similar environments, and that was a phrase. And I, like, that and, like

09:34

It's the same people. Right?

It's the same people. Right?

09:37

That's why it's hilarious. My no one understood it. You just The dwarf among midges, it's like your dwarf is like a tall midget. Look, like, that's just afraid. I didn't even realize it was like, don't cancel them. Alright. I didn't realize it was

That's why it's hilarious. My no one understood it. You just The dwarf among midges, it's like your dwarf is like a tall midget. Look, like, that's just afraid. I didn't even realize it was like, don't cancel them. Alright. I didn't realize it was

09:48

another one is tough titty said to kitty, but the milk's still good. Have you heard of that one? Yeah. Yeah. Sure. So anyway, what what do you think it's gonna be like in

another one is tough titty said to kitty, but the milk's still good. Have you heard of that one? Yeah. Yeah. Sure. So anyway, what what do you think it's gonna be like in

09:55

two or three years if you ever sell. I mean, are you guys like, you're gonna be the richest per person in, like, by hundreds of miles we're gonna do just by thousands of acres? No. Well

two or three years if you ever sell. I mean, are you guys like, you're gonna be the richest per person in, like, by hundreds of miles we're gonna do just by thousands of acres? No. Well

10:05

I mean, what do you what do you do? That's a crazy question. This is what he says. This feels very aggressive. The way that you're phrasing this, I'm just gonna say that right now.

I mean, what do you what do you do? That's a crazy question. This is what he says. This feels very aggressive. The way that you're phrasing this, I'm just gonna say that right now.

10:17

The the well, the idea is not to, like, I don't know if I don't know if we'll sell it. Right? But there's a big question in my head of, like, of, like, I don't want my my my main say is, like, I don't want my kid to grow up and say, I gotta be a quilter because Pop was a quilter. Right? It's like, it's a business. You gotta get in here. Taylor's as all this time. It's tough titties with it. Yeah. You're milking the good.

The the well, the idea is not to, like, I don't know if I don't know if we'll sell it. Right? But there's a big question in my head of, like, of, like, I don't want my my my main say is, like, I don't want my kid to grow up and say, I gotta be a quilter because Pop was a quilter. Right? It's like, it's a business. You gotta get in here. Taylor's as all this time. It's tough titties with it. Yeah. You're milking the good.

10:38

But, but, like, I so I'm trying to figure out how to navigate around that. Like, how like, is there,

But, but, like, I so I'm trying to figure out how to navigate around that. Like, how like, is there,

10:44

how do you maximize value and create the most opportunity and all that kind of stuff? I'm very attracted to a finish line. Right, which a, an IPO or a sale or something would be, but also, you know, get to the point where it's shedding off EBITDA. And it's a very bad thing to just keep running. Twelve years. Yep. You didn't know, were you even, like, into quilting before that? Like, were you into quilting? No. My mom makes me she's, she made me make one quilt like, you can't run this company and not be a quilter. So I've I've made one. I'm making another right now. A nice bear on point. So what did you know how to do? You didn't you you worked at you were a software guy. These are such main questions.

how do you maximize value and create the most opportunity and all that kind of stuff? I'm very attracted to a finish line. Right, which a, an IPO or a sale or something would be, but also, you know, get to the point where it's shedding off EBITDA. And it's a very bad thing to just keep running. Twelve years. Yep. You didn't know, were you even, like, into quilting before that? Like, were you into quilting? No. My mom makes me she's, she made me make one quilt like, you can't run this company and not be a quilter. So I've I've made one. I'm making another right now. A nice bear on point. So what did you know how to do? You didn't you you worked at you were a software guy. These are such main questions.

11:21

No. I

No. I

11:23

The funny thing is at this event. Why are you? So he's basically been having an intervention. Because he's asking questions that he thinks are completely normal questions to everyone who's been like, and women. Yeah. Wait. You? That's so weird. Yeah. He's and people are like, Sam, when you ask questions, it's like a full frontal attack.

The funny thing is at this event. Why are you? So he's basically been having an intervention. Because he's asking questions that he thinks are completely normal questions to everyone who's been like, and women. Yeah. Wait. You? That's so weird. Yeah. He's and people are like, Sam, when you ask questions, it's like a full frontal attack.

11:38

He's what do you mean?

He's what do you mean?

11:40

He is, like, completely oblivious to the fact that these questions are outrageously aggressive.

He is, like, completely oblivious to the fact that these questions are outrageously aggressive.

11:45

So, like, his mom is, like, the face of, like, their YouTube. And he was explaining to me what she was like. And I I looked up the YouTube. I'm like, oh, she looks exactly like I I expected. Yeah. And he was like, what's he goes, what the I was like, what? I expected her to make it nice. She's like, that was a compliment. I was like, very rarely is oh, she looked exactly how I thought she would make a couple lot of misunderstandings going on. I was like, I thought she sounded like a lovely nice woman. Yeah. Yeah. And she was cool. And and I was like, and she looks like it. Sweet Dorothy Maine to but,

So, like, his mom is, like, the face of, like, their YouTube. And he was explaining to me what she was like. And I I looked up the YouTube. I'm like, oh, she looks exactly like I I expected. Yeah. And he was like, what's he goes, what the I was like, what? I expected her to make it nice. She's like, that was a compliment. I was like, very rarely is oh, she looked exactly how I thought she would make a couple lot of misunderstandings going on. I was like, I thought she sounded like a lovely nice woman. Yeah. Yeah. And she was cool. And and I was like, and she looks like it. Sweet Dorothy Maine to but,

12:16

Well, and but if you also said that you own two hundred acres and you, like, I I do own I, like, like, this But when you do a misery when you become necessary? I'm a hundred percent Hill Billy Rich. Right? Like, like, give me a hundred million dollars tomorrow. My life doesn't change at all. Right. I've got I've got a, a car that I like to drive. I've got a house that I like to live in. I got three beautiful boys and a wife. And, beautiful wife also. I mean, beautiful extends to all of them. And, and, like, I'm I'm done. Right? And so it's sort of a weird spot where I don't need I don't need the finish line. The the only value that a finish line would offer is like the past the mantle. Right? Like, I no longer wake up and and have to stress about, like, what if we ruin it all tomorrow? What if the person that we hired to do this, like, screws it all up? What were you good at? The Oh, yeah. Yeah. What skill what what what two pieces you bring to the quilting table? Great question. Great questions.

Well, and but if you also said that you own two hundred acres and you, like, I I do own I, like, like, this But when you do a misery when you become necessary? I'm a hundred percent Hill Billy Rich. Right? Like, like, give me a hundred million dollars tomorrow. My life doesn't change at all. Right. I've got I've got a, a car that I like to drive. I've got a house that I like to live in. I got three beautiful boys and a wife. And, beautiful wife also. I mean, beautiful extends to all of them. And, and, like, I'm I'm done. Right? And so it's sort of a weird spot where I don't need I don't need the finish line. The the only value that a finish line would offer is like the past the mantle. Right? Like, I no longer wake up and and have to stress about, like, what if we ruin it all tomorrow? What if the person that we hired to do this, like, screws it all up? What were you good at? The Oh, yeah. Yeah. What skill what what what two pieces you bring to the quilting table? Great question. Great questions.

13:07

Yeah.

Yeah.

13:08

Not a lot. Like, like,

Not a lot. Like, like,

13:11

mean, I so I came out of I came out of college,

mean, I so I came out of I came out of college,

13:15

and and my first job was with Symantic. Like, I I was a really good

and and my first job was with Symantic. Like, I I was a really good

13:20

kind of networker. Right? And and, not not networker, but, like, I I like people that I like, and I hate people that I hate, and I like some guys that, like, We're doing so. You're the most popular guy in the house right now, by the way. I don't know if you know. For real? There's like twenty five people here. There's famous people. Everybody's like, big everyone's got a different nickname for you. It's a big out. Then somebody's like big city because he's buying cities. Oh, yeah. And other guy's like, oh, Aldon. Big city's good. And and so big city is a cool name. I mean, it's like, It's like, you know, Tom Big city. Yeah. I mean, it's like it's like tall calling like a really tall guy shorty or something. You know, this is perfect. It's better than big country. I get big country lot, but this city No. It's not funny when you are. Oh, you know, you'd have to be like tiny country or something.

kind of networker. Right? And and, not not networker, but, like, I I like people that I like, and I hate people that I hate, and I like some guys that, like, We're doing so. You're the most popular guy in the house right now, by the way. I don't know if you know. For real? There's like twenty five people here. There's famous people. Everybody's like, big everyone's got a different nickname for you. It's a big out. Then somebody's like big city because he's buying cities. Oh, yeah. And other guy's like, oh, Aldon. Big city's good. And and so big city is a cool name. I mean, it's like, It's like, you know, Tom Big city. Yeah. I mean, it's like it's like tall calling like a really tall guy shorty or something. You know, this is perfect. It's better than big country. I get big country lot, but this city No. It's not funny when you are. Oh, you know, you'd have to be like tiny country or something.

14:02

Thing. Yeah. No big cities. Okay. Thank you. But anyways, you're super like. Well, I was calling out there. Like, what did you know you go? He's, like, he's rigged He's smart and he's and he's funny. And I was like, yeah. You need to be the next bachelor, dude. You know, like, this is a bitch. You meet him?

Thing. Yeah. No big cities. Okay. Thank you. But anyways, you're super like. Well, I was calling out there. Like, what did you know you go? He's, like, he's rigged He's smart and he's and he's funny. And I was like, yeah. You need to be the next bachelor, dude. You know, like, this is a bitch. You meet him?

14:18

Well, I mean, I don't even know. Patrick was on the podcast. Patrick came on the pod. That was the first time I thought about the word quilt in my twelve years. Well, he was telling my story and all my buddies were like, dude, you're on this podcast, dude. You gotta check this out. So I'm like, what the crap? Was

Well, I mean, I don't even know. Patrick was on the podcast. Patrick came on the pod. That was the first time I thought about the word quilt in my twelve years. Well, he was telling my story and all my buddies were like, dude, you're on this podcast, dude. You gotta check this out. So I'm like, what the crap? Was

14:34

like, oh, man, that's my story. Like, if you wanna hear it, I was like, there's this there's this niche market of quilting that's way bigger than people realize. And I was like, Really? We remember we were like blown away. And then we were like, what's he's like, yeah, there's companies that are huge. Then the conversation was great because you're like, oh, that's red, man. Love to hear it sometime. Do you ball?

like, oh, man, that's my story. Like, if you wanna hear it, I was like, there's this there's this niche market of quilting that's way bigger than people realize. And I was like, Really? We remember we were like blown away. And then we were like, what's he's like, yeah, there's companies that are huge. Then the conversation was great because you're like, oh, that's red, man. Love to hear it sometime. Do you ball?

14:52

Do you wanna come in?

Do you wanna come in?

14:53

I think I ghosted you for, like, a month. And I was, like, oh, wait, by the way. Yeah. I do wanna talk about that, but more importantly, wanna meet up in person. It's like basketball. Anyone here. Right? No. No. No. No. Yeah. This is this is great. Did you even know Patrick? No. Oh, wow. I've never met any of these guys. You took a amazing win and they show up. And I've turned out to be like six foot seven and love playing basketball. And, yeah. Did he split my ass on the court? Yeah. He was a bad guy. So you dude, you smoked as a for the for the championship game, during three threes in my face. Yeah. I like the greatest moment of my life today, so you know, it's it's okay.

I think I ghosted you for, like, a month. And I was, like, oh, wait, by the way. Yeah. I do wanna talk about that, but more importantly, wanna meet up in person. It's like basketball. Anyone here. Right? No. No. No. No. Yeah. This is this is great. Did you even know Patrick? No. Oh, wow. I've never met any of these guys. You took a amazing win and they show up. And I've turned out to be like six foot seven and love playing basketball. And, yeah. Did he split my ass on the court? Yeah. He was a bad guy. So you dude, you smoked as a for the for the championship game, during three threes in my face. Yeah. I like the greatest moment of my life today, so you know, it's it's okay.

15:26

So, okay. So you do the you do the quilting thing. No. Wait. Wait. Wait. My skills before this

So, okay. So you do the you do the quilting thing. No. Wait. Wait. Wait. My skills before this

15:31

just just buddies that, like, that, like, connect me up so I was working in a software company lost that job,

just just buddies that, like, that, like, connect me up so I was working in a software company lost that job,

15:36

in dramatic fashion. I never been without a job at the time. Was that mean, like, I fired? Yeah. Like me and twenty thousand people got laid off in two thousand eight. Right? And, and so I'm, you know, I'm, like, consulting and trying to, like, just -- Hold for you. Of twenty

in dramatic fashion. I never been without a job at the time. Was that mean, like, I fired? Yeah. Like me and twenty thousand people got laid off in two thousand eight. Right? And, and so I'm, you know, I'm, like, consulting and trying to, like, just -- Hold for you. Of twenty

15:50

six. In Missouri?

six. In Missouri?

15:51

Yeah. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah.

15:53

But, like, but while I was, like, living in Boston, the time. They moved me out there, and I was visiting my buddy up in Toronto, and then I moved in with him and his wife and their new baby, you me, and Deprey style. And I was like, we'll start company up here. Let's do it. So we tried like three of them. We tried an ozone cleaning technology that we'd sell to real estate agents, and that was like a terrible time to sell to real estate agents since two thousand eight. And, we tried to do a little wealth management thing because he wanted to be a wealth management advisor, and so we tried to start that. And then, and then this the quilt company we had already, and I wanted to do, like, a daily deal version. Because at the time, it was hot. Right? Or do It was like woot dot com and steeping cheap and, I just talked all about whoop and like chain love and all that stuff. I mean, I love those in college because they were they were great and I'd wait up till midnight, which in in Hawaii where I was going to school was like, was, like, seven o'clock. Right? And I'd be, like, wait to see what it is. It's still cool. It's cool. But, like, I but, like, it hooked me as a college kid. And, like, every site was built for, like, for, like, are you a dude that loves riding bikes? Get chain love dot com, and there's a new thing every night. And, but, like, nobody was building them for the forty five to seven year old demo. And so when I did quilters daily deal, I think it was literally the first time anybody had done a daily deal site for my demographic, which is like,

But, like, but while I was, like, living in Boston, the time. They moved me out there, and I was visiting my buddy up in Toronto, and then I moved in with him and his wife and their new baby, you me, and Deprey style. And I was like, we'll start company up here. Let's do it. So we tried like three of them. We tried an ozone cleaning technology that we'd sell to real estate agents, and that was like a terrible time to sell to real estate agents since two thousand eight. And, we tried to do a little wealth management thing because he wanted to be a wealth management advisor, and so we tried to start that. And then, and then this the quilt company we had already, and I wanted to do, like, a daily deal version. Because at the time, it was hot. Right? Or do It was like woot dot com and steeping cheap and, I just talked all about whoop and like chain love and all that stuff. I mean, I love those in college because they were they were great and I'd wait up till midnight, which in in Hawaii where I was going to school was like, was, like, seven o'clock. Right? And I'd be, like, wait to see what it is. It's still cool. It's cool. But, like, I but, like, it hooked me as a college kid. And, like, every site was built for, like, for, like, are you a dude that loves riding bikes? Get chain love dot com, and there's a new thing every night. And, but, like, nobody was building them for the forty five to seven year old demo. And so when I did quilters daily deal, I think it was literally the first time anybody had done a daily deal site for my demographic, which is like,

17:04

discounted fabric. Well, it I mean, it was discounted items. Right? Okay. And, like, it did at the beginning. It was so funny because, like, I was I was the guy doing it all. We're just scrapping our way through it. So, like, I'm I'm not a good writer for my mom, right, where, like, I'd write these stories and everything. Yeah. I would always say, like, Hey, ladies.

discounted fabric. Well, it I mean, it was discounted items. Right? Okay. And, like, it did at the beginning. It was so funny because, like, I was I was the guy doing it all. We're just scrapping our way through it. So, like, I'm I'm not a good writer for my mom, right, where, like, I'd write these stories and everything. Yeah. I would always say, like, Hey, ladies.

17:21

Like

Like

17:23

Well, no. Hey. Hello, women. No. No, Joe. So we started a forum and the the first

Well, no. Hey. Hello, women. No. No, Joe. So we started a forum and the the first

17:29

six months of the forum, because nobody wants to join an empty forum. I was Ginny b and Sarah Sue, and my buddy Dave was Carmen and Elizabeth And we just have these, like, hat and all day. Oh, man. Yes,

six months of the forum, because nobody wants to join an empty forum. I was Ginny b and Sarah Sue, and my buddy Dave was Carmen and Elizabeth And we just have these, like, hat and all day. Oh, man. Yes,

17:40

what kind of quil did you, Mel? That's so cute. That's the brother. And eventually, now it's, like, ninety thousand members Like, it's a great old thing. Wow. So that's really so you but your mom had must have had some following or something. Is that how it started? No. She had zero following. No. I I You started with the form. When we no. No. We launched So the the chronology, we launched with the website that I, like, satin built. We launched with a store that we started. She was doing quilts. And then I I built this website on, one in one dot com. Do you remember that old shared hosting, man? It was a they lost my site a couple times. I was like, I'll start over. Thanks, guys.

what kind of quil did you, Mel? That's so cute. That's the brother. And eventually, now it's, like, ninety thousand members Like, it's a great old thing. Wow. So that's really so you but your mom had must have had some following or something. Is that how it started? No. She had zero following. No. I I You started with the form. When we no. No. We launched So the the chronology, we launched with the website that I, like, satin built. We launched with a store that we started. She was doing quilts. And then I I built this website on, one in one dot com. Do you remember that old shared hosting, man? It was a they lost my site a couple times. I was like, I'll start over. Thanks, guys.

18:13

And, built this site, and and it was a daily deal site that I would change at midnight. I didn't have any automation, and I would just, like, go in, you know, be on a date and be like, hold on a second. I gotta log in to my quilting website, change it up. Tens of women are waiting for this. Yeah. And and we we'll do. We launched it. I still have the Facebook post in like February two thousand nine, and then it's like, hey, I made a quilt for my mom check it out. Two likes. Right? Like zero orders the first three weeks. And and but like every day I'm going in there right in these stories. But you didn't give up. Didn't give up, didn't give up personally. Why? Just like,

And, built this site, and and it was a daily deal site that I would change at midnight. I didn't have any automation, and I would just, like, go in, you know, be on a date and be like, hold on a second. I gotta log in to my quilting website, change it up. Tens of women are waiting for this. Yeah. And and we we'll do. We launched it. I still have the Facebook post in like February two thousand nine, and then it's like, hey, I made a quilt for my mom check it out. Two likes. Right? Like zero orders the first three weeks. And and but like every day I'm going in there right in these stories. But you didn't give up. Didn't give up, didn't give up personally. Why? Just like,

18:46

well, I mean, it was it was a marketing challenge at that point. Right? Like, we knew we knew that we had a product that was interesting.

well, I mean, it was it was a marketing challenge at that point. Right? Like, we knew we knew that we had a product that was interesting.

18:51

Like, like, we're selling fabric online. And, like, the other sites were, like, were, like, built on Yahoo stores and crap. And I'm, like, I can, like, there's a way better experience for this, and we're just gonna we're gonna take better pictures. This is our novelty. We're gonna we're gonna sell it better.

Like, like, we're selling fabric online. And, like, the other sites were, like, were, like, built on Yahoo stores and crap. And I'm, like, I can, like, there's a way better experience for this, and we're just gonna we're gonna take better pictures. This is our novelty. We're gonna we're gonna sell it better.

19:04

And, and so we we kept working at it just thinking we had to figure out how to find people and our dude, like, I would write these deals every day and be like, like, there were always some version of the pinocchio nightmare scene. I'm like, and then he turned into a donkey.

And, and so we we kept working at it just thinking we had to figure out how to find people and our dude, like, I would write these deals every day and be like, like, there were always some version of the pinocchio nightmare scene. I'm like, and then he turned into a donkey.

19:17

And then he was in the whale's belly, and jumbo Rickrack is three ninety nine. It was, like, some weird things. I, like, I was just trying to be creative. Because I did it too. They were pretty funny. Well, dude, I was modeling after that and just trying to, like, be humorous and and turns out, like, my mom was like, this isn't good. You need you need to off. This is weird. My buddy Dave ended up doing it for the next the next while, and he was much better than I was. But, so we we went three weeks without a sale. Finally, my cousin, Jennifer ordered something. And so you know, we're like, oh, that's alright. Thank you, Jed. That's very nice. And, and we've got like an order to a day and one day one day we meant to price something at like two eighty eight. It was the Crazy Eights charm pack. We meant to price it at, like, two eighty eight. I accidentally priced it at eighty eight cents. We sold, like, eleven of them. But but shipping was five dollars. Right? And so, like, our cost on it was four something. And so we're like, we still made money.

And then he was in the whale's belly, and jumbo Rickrack is three ninety nine. It was, like, some weird things. I, like, I was just trying to be creative. Because I did it too. They were pretty funny. Well, dude, I was modeling after that and just trying to, like, be humorous and and turns out, like, my mom was like, this isn't good. You need you need to off. This is weird. My buddy Dave ended up doing it for the next the next while, and he was much better than I was. But, so we we went three weeks without a sale. Finally, my cousin, Jennifer ordered something. And so you know, we're like, oh, that's alright. Thank you, Jed. That's very nice. And, and we've got like an order to a day and one day one day we meant to price something at like two eighty eight. It was the Crazy Eights charm pack. We meant to price it at, like, two eighty eight. I accidentally priced it at eighty eight cents. We sold, like, eleven of them. But but shipping was five dollars. Right? And so, like, our cost on it was four something. And so we're like, we still made money.

20:06

Like, the this works in the average order size. It was actually, like, twenty eight dollars. Like, dude,

Like, the this works in the average order size. It was actually, like, twenty eight dollars. Like, dude,

20:11

a lost leader. We should lose money on this in a meaningful way, and and we can build this. And so it turned into, like, the deals are are great deals. People love them. And, but that's what end up building our business. And then as we went, like Where were you getting the fabric in supplies from? We buy them from vendors. So, like, even even a day, there's probably forty vendors that we buy from, then to grow it, we started,

a lost leader. We should lose money on this in a meaningful way, and and we can build this. And so it turned into, like, the deals are are great deals. People love them. And, but that's what end up building our business. And then as we went, like Where were you getting the fabric in supplies from? We buy them from vendors. So, like, even even a day, there's probably forty vendors that we buy from, then to grow it, we started,

20:31

making videos. Like, the the education stuff, YouTube was only a year and a half old at that point. And so, like, you know, late two thousand eight, early two thousand nine, and, there's, like, there's, like, this guy quilting buck on there and it's, like, a webcam that he'd show on his quilting And he's it was cool that people were trying to do stuff and nobody had, like, done it well. And so I bought, like, a Canon Digital elf that was, like, the best resolution at the time and just, like, held it in my hands and, and,

making videos. Like, the the education stuff, YouTube was only a year and a half old at that point. And so, like, you know, late two thousand eight, early two thousand nine, and, there's, like, there's, like, this guy quilting buck on there and it's, like, a webcam that he'd show on his quilting And he's it was cool that people were trying to do stuff and nobody had, like, done it well. And so I bought, like, a Canon Digital elf that was, like, the best resolution at the time and just, like, held it in my hands and, and,

20:55

you know, the manual zooming stuff. But, like,

you know, the manual zooming stuff. But, like,

20:58

got mom to start doing these tutorials. And because I'm a thirty year old bearded I'm like, don't say your lingo. Right? I need you to talk to me

got mom to start doing these tutorials. And because I'm a thirty year old bearded I'm like, don't say your lingo. Right? I need you to talk to me

21:06

so I can understand. I'm not a dummy. I have no idea what what a wuff is, right, with the fabric.

so I can understand. I'm not a dummy. I have no idea what what a wuff is, right, with the fabric.

21:12

Well, like, I'm like,

Well, like, I'm like,

21:14

because normally teachers when they try and start teaching, they'll try and like like give themself some some validation by like, look, I know all the cool stuff and I'm I'm I'm nerdy like you guys and I just wouldn't let mom do that. So she had to speak a way that anybody can understand, and we became this very approachable.

because normally teachers when they try and start teaching, they'll try and like like give themself some some validation by like, look, I know all the cool stuff and I'm I'm I'm nerdy like you guys and I just wouldn't let mom do that. So she had to speak a way that anybody can understand, and we became this very approachable.

21:30

If you've never made a quilt, you start with Missouri

If you've never made a quilt, you start with Missouri

21:33

star. And because we were making this content every week, we'd put it in our emails that we'd send out, and it was so, like, we'd lead with that. It was like, we made this great new tutorial for you with all these cool tricks and tips and stuff And, and we we'd ended up with, like, a seventy percent open rate on our promo emails, which is just the magic that we built around. And you you're twelve year you're in twelve years in, you're, like, a hundred, hundred and fifty or something like that revenue. What were the first five years do you think?

star. And because we were making this content every week, we'd put it in our emails that we'd send out, and it was so, like, we'd lead with that. It was like, we made this great new tutorial for you with all these cool tricks and tips and stuff And, and we we'd ended up with, like, a seventy percent open rate on our promo emails, which is just the magic that we built around. And you you're twelve year you're in twelve years in, you're, like, a hundred, hundred and fifty or something like that revenue. What were the first five years do you think?

21:58

First year was a hundred grand. We did a million, then we did four, then we did eight, and then we did fourteen.

First year was a hundred grand. We did a million, then we did four, then we did eight, and then we did fourteen.

22:03

And then did eight we kept going at that rate. Yeah. Yeah. It would and but but again, man, like, bootstrap through that was intense.

And then did eight we kept going at that rate. Yeah. Yeah. It would and but but again, man, like, bootstrap through that was intense.

22:10

At what point were you able to pay yourself and make money? So we paid mom after three years. Right? Like, it's crazy because I have, I have, like, seven siblings in my family and five of them work on the quote company. And, like, we couldn't have done it if they couldn't have just, like, worked for free. For the beginning. And, like, I mean, it's, it's, like, volunteers. Right? Well, what year was it making enough money where you're, like, fuck it. Let's buy a town. You know, let's do this. Well, so so,

At what point were you able to pay yourself and make money? So we paid mom after three years. Right? Like, it's crazy because I have, I have, like, seven siblings in my family and five of them work on the quote company. And, like, we couldn't have done it if they couldn't have just, like, worked for free. For the beginning. And, like, I mean, it's, it's, like, volunteers. Right? Well, what year was it making enough money where you're, like, fuck it. Let's buy a town. You know, let's do this. Well, so so,

22:33

Four years in, we we bought our second building, right, or three years in, we bought our second building. And, like, we remodeled it all ourselves. We did all the work, and then we bought You know, we we piecemeal the beginning one. Like, it's we can look back on it now and be like, oh, yeah. Well, we got we got everything. This is great. We did a good job, but, like, that was never the intent in the beginning. My thought was that, like, people would see that we're bringing more people to town, and they'd start these other businesses and do stuff. And, and by the time, like, because we were running so far ahead of our own curve, we just ended up with, like, our whole downtown. And now we have, like, like, there's a few other businesses in town, but, and is there like because what normally happens if you start to, like, buy everything in a town, like, there's always, like, one or two people who are like, I'm gonna hold out and we're like, you know,

Four years in, we we bought our second building, right, or three years in, we bought our second building. And, like, we remodeled it all ourselves. We did all the work, and then we bought You know, we we piecemeal the beginning one. Like, it's we can look back on it now and be like, oh, yeah. Well, we got we got everything. This is great. We did a good job, but, like, that was never the intent in the beginning. My thought was that, like, people would see that we're bringing more people to town, and they'd start these other businesses and do stuff. And, and by the time, like, because we were running so far ahead of our own curve, we just ended up with, like, our whole downtown. And now we have, like, like, there's a few other businesses in town, but, and is there like because what normally happens if you start to, like, buy everything in a town, like, there's always, like, one or two people who are like, I'm gonna hold out and we're like, you know,

23:14

Like, yeah, because you need it. You need to complete the set. Yeah. And then tiny comes knocking on their door.

Like, yeah, because you need it. You need to complete the set. Yeah. And then tiny comes knocking on their door.

23:23

I cannot promise you protection. Excuse

I cannot promise you protection. Excuse

23:25

me. Why did you guys run into that? Oh, yeah. Like, like, the average price for a building in a small Missouri town, like, that was about twenty grand. And, and by the our last building is about eighty. Right? So so we I just bought this other town down the road from us Kingston, right? And so, like, Missouri? Yeah. So seven miles down the road. Is our county seat? Like, with the really nice, like, king, like, they have a huge is that on the way to Mizzou?

me. Why did you guys run into that? Oh, yeah. Like, like, the average price for a building in a small Missouri town, like, that was about twenty grand. And, and by the our last building is about eighty. Right? So so we I just bought this other town down the road from us Kingston, right? And so, like, Missouri? Yeah. So seven miles down the road. Is our county seat? Like, with the really nice, like, king, like, they have a huge is that on the way to Mizzou?

23:47

From Saint Louis? No. I'm thinking of Kingsland. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No Kingston

From Saint Louis? No. I'm thinking of Kingsland. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No Kingston

23:53

is set by me. And, I'll do the other side. By Kansas City, was seven miles from our town, and, and so we bought it's it's I think it's eight buildings, and it's, like, it'll be, like, seventy thousand for all of them. Right? Wow. And so there's just these old, like, condemned to sort of overrun buildings. We'll we'll put two million into them to get them fixed up. Right? But, like, but, like, the the real estate is cheap and the fact that it's already there. We're just kind of fixing what's there. Do you It's great.

is set by me. And, I'll do the other side. By Kansas City, was seven miles from our town, and, and so we bought it's it's I think it's eight buildings, and it's, like, it'll be, like, seventy thousand for all of them. Right? Wow. And so there's just these old, like, condemned to sort of overrun buildings. We'll we'll put two million into them to get them fixed up. Right? But, like, but, like, the the real estate is cheap and the fact that it's already there. We're just kind of fixing what's there. Do you It's great.

24:19

I mean, I lived in

I mean, I lived in

24:21

St. Louis, which is way bigger than where you're from. But even that This is not a competition.

St. Louis, which is way bigger than where you're from. But even that This is not a competition.

24:26

But even St. Louis, I felt like, fuck. No one gets me. I feel like a freak here because I'm building this internet shit. And so that's why I left and I moved just eventually San Francisco. And there's a reason why, like, a lot of companies are started in San Francisco or New York or Chicago or Austin, like, these, like, bigger cities because you

But even St. Louis, I felt like, fuck. No one gets me. I feel like a freak here because I'm building this internet shit. And so that's why I left and I moved just eventually San Francisco. And there's a reason why, like, a lot of companies are started in San Francisco or New York or Chicago or Austin, like, these, like, bigger cities because you

24:42

you meet people and you, like, spread ideas and you, like, are inspired by one another, whatever, and you, like, rubs off on each other.

you meet people and you, like, spread ideas and you, like, are inspired by one another, whatever, and you, like, rubs off on each other.

24:49

Other than,

Other than,

24:50

the internet, which, I mean, where were you learning how to do all this stuff? Did you ever feel like, what the hell, man? I need to get out of here.

the internet, which, I mean, where were you learning how to do all this stuff? Did you ever feel like, what the hell, man? I need to get out of here.

24:58

I can't find this client info. You heard of HubSpot?

I can't find this client info. You heard of HubSpot?

25:01

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares its data across every application.

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares its data across every application.

25:06

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25:10

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25:14

So after call, I actually left this part out. There's cool part. After college, I, when I when I lost my job, this was, let's see, two thousand nine,

So after call, I actually left this part out. There's cool part. After college, I, when I when I lost my job, this was, let's see, two thousand nine,

25:22

I I declared my year of the NBA. Right? I was looking to, like, going to back to Harvard. I'd lived in Boston. It was like, I should I should really go and it was like two hundred grand to get us to get an NBA there. And I was like, man, that's that's too much money for this broke farmer.

I I declared my year of the NBA. Right? I was looking to, like, going to back to Harvard. I'd lived in Boston. It was like, I should I should really go and it was like two hundred grand to get us to get an NBA there. And I was like, man, that's that's too much money for this broke farmer.

25:35

And, and so I declared the year of Miami, I emailed all the guys who were, like, successful in business and were, like, what are the three books that you'd recommend I read? And I got, like, a, a constrained

And, and so I declared the year of Miami, I emailed all the guys who were, like, successful in business and were, like, what are the three books that you'd recommend I read? And I got, like, a, a constrained

25:45

list of, of, like, thirty seven books. Right? And so I bought them all on Amazon for, like, two hundred dollars. And, then I I had a bunch of buddies who were like doing cool stuff that I wanted to try. Like a guy was doing import export out in Hawaii and and another dude was doing like venture capital in Salt Lake and And so I was just like, let me come work for free for you guys for, like, three months. I just wanna I'll I'll shine your shoes and make your coffee. I just wanna see how you run your business.

list of, of, like, thirty seven books. Right? And so I bought them all on Amazon for, like, two hundred dollars. And, then I I had a bunch of buddies who were like doing cool stuff that I wanted to try. Like a guy was doing import export out in Hawaii and and another dude was doing like venture capital in Salt Lake and And so I was just like, let me come work for free for you guys for, like, three months. I just wanna I'll I'll shine your shoes and make your coffee. I just wanna see how you run your business.

26:08

And, and so I, like, I hopped around to some of that, and then I got into,

And, and so I, like, I hopped around to some of that, and then I got into,

26:13

like, I got to be an an intern in techstars in two thousand ten. Right? So, like, which which one? Colorado? Boulder. Yeah. So it it was only bolder. It's a bolder in Seattle, but, like, it was David Cohen and Nicole Galeros two thousand ten. And so, like, while I'm building this quote company on the side, we've got these, like, world class mentors coming and, and, like, they'd mentor these companies doing, you know, cool robots. You're listening. You're listening to all these office hours. Yeah. Dick Cassella. That's super interesting. What would you do if you had a quote company, man? I'm just curious. Like, how would you how would you would you like a deal, David?

like, I got to be an an intern in techstars in two thousand ten. Right? So, like, which which one? Colorado? Boulder. Yeah. So it it was only bolder. It's a bolder in Seattle, but, like, it was David Cohen and Nicole Galeros two thousand ten. And so, like, while I'm building this quote company on the side, we've got these, like, world class mentors coming and, and, like, they'd mentor these companies doing, you know, cool robots. You're listening. You're listening to all these office hours. Yeah. Dick Cassella. That's super interesting. What would you do if you had a quote company, man? I'm just curious. Like, how would you how would you would you like a deal, David?

26:44

Yeah. You like deals. Right? It doesn't do anything, but you can't. It's almost like I was getting This way I noticed you reached for your phone when I said that. Are you trying to tell somebody about this? Talk to me about what what's what you're feeling right Yeah. No. And so I was getting this way outsized, like, brain for for the internet stuff, and I I always thought that I would do something, like, I thought it was gonna work for Microsoft or Facebook or something. Right? And, and and in the end, in the end, like, I just took all the learnings that I have from this, and my desires sort of be an internet tech entrepreneur

Yeah. You like deals. Right? It doesn't do anything, but you can't. It's almost like I was getting This way I noticed you reached for your phone when I said that. Are you trying to tell somebody about this? Talk to me about what what's what you're feeling right Yeah. No. And so I was getting this way outsized, like, brain for for the internet stuff, and I I always thought that I would do something, like, I thought it was gonna work for Microsoft or Facebook or something. Right? And, and and in the end, in the end, like, I just took all the learnings that I have from this, and my desires sort of be an internet tech entrepreneur

27:14

and, and shoveled all that into into this quilting company, which is, you know, again, like it's

and, and shoveled all that into into this quilting company, which is, you know, again, like it's

27:19

it's very technology focused

it's very technology focused

27:22

way, way early adopters on a lot of stuff. And, like, it's given us a huge advantage as we've as we build this stuff because there's no other Like, dude, there's no kids coming out of their NBA school trying to take my margins saying that's that's the except for Patrick. Once Patrick told all your listeners, you really how you gonna be Do you have peers? And how are you do you have, like, peers in the internet world or e com world who you're, like, you're chatting with on a regular basis to be, inspired by? Or learn from Michelle ideas. Like, I got buddies. Right? Like, I'm I'm an angel investor. I'm in fifty companies doing stuff. We I I have a,

way, way early adopters on a lot of stuff. And, like, it's given us a huge advantage as we've as we build this stuff because there's no other Like, dude, there's no kids coming out of their NBA school trying to take my margins saying that's that's the except for Patrick. Once Patrick told all your listeners, you really how you gonna be Do you have peers? And how are you do you have, like, peers in the internet world or e com world who you're, like, you're chatting with on a regular basis to be, inspired by? Or learn from Michelle ideas. Like, I got buddies. Right? Like, I'm I'm an angel investor. I'm in fifty companies doing stuff. We I I have a,

27:53

early stage fund that I run with some buddies. Like, Like, I'm still, like, these are still friends. We still talk, but but, there's, like, from an e commerce standpoint, honestly, man, like, I I think I'm world class. I think I I think I'm one of the best brains at selling stuff on the internet. And that's awesome. Yeah. That's awesome. Also the the the MB that, like, give myself an MBA thing. Way you approach that, that's like

early stage fund that I run with some buddies. Like, Like, I'm still, like, these are still friends. We still talk, but but, there's, like, from an e commerce standpoint, honestly, man, like, I I think I'm world class. I think I I think I'm one of the best brains at selling stuff on the internet. And that's awesome. Yeah. That's awesome. Also the the the MB that, like, give myself an MBA thing. Way you approach that, that's like

28:15

that is so smart, but also once you hear that story, like, of course, is gonna be successful as a hustler. Right? Because you you basically do the math. You're like, okay. What do I want? What's the normal way to get there? Oh, this like kind of long two year really expensive way? Can I just get that, like That was my reason? Nine months for two hundred fifty dollars. And you're like, oh, yeah. What if I just emailed all the smart people? Ask them one of the best three books. I read all those books And then I, like, go shadow, you know, the three months to be gone over. You have a free for a dude for, like, three like, like, Cohen and Gleros these guys, they'll still go to bed to me for me to this day -- Right. -- because that three month investment that I made of, like and, dude, I was the first one in, the last one out. Like, I knew I wasn't getting paid, but, but, like, I was trying to soak it all up. And, you I mean, you do that and, like, they'll open every door you ever need to get through. What was the most game changing book of all those that you read?

that is so smart, but also once you hear that story, like, of course, is gonna be successful as a hustler. Right? Because you you basically do the math. You're like, okay. What do I want? What's the normal way to get there? Oh, this like kind of long two year really expensive way? Can I just get that, like That was my reason? Nine months for two hundred fifty dollars. And you're like, oh, yeah. What if I just emailed all the smart people? Ask them one of the best three books. I read all those books And then I, like, go shadow, you know, the three months to be gone over. You have a free for a dude for, like, three like, like, Cohen and Gleros these guys, they'll still go to bed to me for me to this day -- Right. -- because that three month investment that I made of, like and, dude, I was the first one in, the last one out. Like, I knew I wasn't getting paid, but, but, like, I was trying to soak it all up. And, you I mean, you do that and, like, they'll open every door you ever need to get through. What was the most game changing book of all those that you read?

29:04

Well, honestly, dude, it's this book that's out of prigg.

Well, honestly, dude, it's this book that's out of prigg.

29:07

Like, like, I didn't I didn't read any business books that changed my life. Right? Like, Once you get through, like, six or seven, I quit reading it because I'm, like, it's the exact same thing. The the principles for business are the exact same. Just told them a different parable.

Like, like, I didn't I didn't read any business books that changed my life. Right? Like, Once you get through, like, six or seven, I quit reading it because I'm, like, it's the exact same thing. The the principles for business are the exact same. Just told them a different parable.

29:19

Every time. And whatever your parable is, that's what you glom on to say. Oh, man. It's good to great. That's the best one. This one, I it's your Bible.

Every time. And whatever your parable is, that's what you glom on to say. Oh, man. It's good to great. That's the best one. This one, I it's your Bible.

29:28

But for me, like the most impact was this one called coming out of the ice by Victor Herman, which is this,

But for me, like the most impact was this one called coming out of the ice by Victor Herman, which is this,

29:33

this dude that, like,

this dude that, like,

29:35

went over to Russia and, like, ended up being an amazing Olympian athlete, but, like, Russia wouldn't take credit for it. And he was like, no, I'm America. So throw them in jail. For like fifty years and it's this crazy story that I'm like, this guy's an American hero. Somebody should know this story, but it's, like, did reading that while I felt like my life was so hard. It was like, oh, no. I'll be fine. I mean, I read that. I did the exact same thing. I'll read, it's like better than therapy. For sure. I You want the fast version of therapy? It's it's David Goggins back in the day. Totally. And, like, I'll read, like, like, a book about navy seals or about, like, I just read about, the Cherokee,

went over to Russia and, like, ended up being an amazing Olympian athlete, but, like, Russia wouldn't take credit for it. And he was like, no, I'm America. So throw them in jail. For like fifty years and it's this crazy story that I'm like, this guy's an American hero. Somebody should know this story, but it's, like, did reading that while I felt like my life was so hard. It was like, oh, no. I'll be fine. I mean, I read that. I did the exact same thing. I'll read, it's like better than therapy. For sure. I You want the fast version of therapy? It's it's David Goggins back in the day. Totally. And, like, I'll read, like, like, a book about navy seals or about, like, I just read about, the Cherokee,

30:11

Native Americans. Oh, man. It makes your problems are so

Native Americans. Oh, man. It makes your problems are so

30:15

small. Like, I'm such a punk. Yeah. Know what I mean? I do the exact same thing. It's way better than business books. No. It's, like, my favorite one out of that whole list because because just a buddy of mine was, like, oh, This is the best book I've ever read. Read this. And I was like, alright, I'm in, man. And, that one still to this day is, like, great.

small. Like, I'm such a punk. Yeah. Know what I mean? I do the exact same thing. It's way better than business books. No. It's, like, my favorite one out of that whole list because because just a buddy of mine was, like, oh, This is the best book I've ever read. Read this. And I was like, alright, I'm in, man. And, that one still to this day is, like, great.

30:30

But, but, like, Do the books. And this is my problem with college. It's like every marketing class I sat through or something. I'm like, oh, this is your great idea. You you say sell it for more than I bought it. You guys clever. Thanks. I'm glad I'm paying for this. Right? And it's all these professors that used to be in the industry that you wanna get into that no longer are that might have connections that could open the door for you. So when I was looking at an MBA, I was like, this this feel like, what if I just go to the people that are in the industry right now? And somehow network with them, like, that's gonna open way more doors for me. How many did great? Many people do you we have foreign video employees, but how many of them are doing, like,

But, but, like, Do the books. And this is my problem with college. It's like every marketing class I sat through or something. I'm like, oh, this is your great idea. You you say sell it for more than I bought it. You guys clever. Thanks. I'm glad I'm paying for this. Right? And it's all these professors that used to be in the industry that you wanna get into that no longer are that might have connections that could open the door for you. So when I was looking at an MBA, I was like, this this feel like, what if I just go to the people that are in the industry right now? And somehow network with them, like, that's gonna open way more doors for me. How many did great? Many people do you we have foreign video employees, but how many of them are doing, like,

31:04

like white collar jobs, like SEO or or

like white collar jobs, like SEO or or

31:08

like internet internet related things. Maybe a hundred of them. A hundred of them. Yeah. How many of them live in the town?

like internet internet related things. Maybe a hundred of them. A hundred of them. Yeah. How many of them live in the town?

31:15

Gosh. I I I don't know. I I think how many of them are are on-site. I think we have, like,

Gosh. I I I don't know. I I think how many of them are are on-site. I think we have, like,

31:20

forty remote, like, fully remote. Like, our engineering team is remote, like -- Where are they? -- the the, like, all over from Seattle to Serbia. Right?

forty remote, like, fully remote. Like, our engineering team is remote, like -- Where are they? -- the the, like, all over from Seattle to Serbia. Right?

31:28

And then we have

And then we have

31:30

then we have, like, our design team is mostly remote. Like, the a lot of the one of the ones that make sense to be remote remote.

then we have, like, our design team is mostly remote. Like, the a lot of the one of the ones that make sense to be remote remote.

31:36

But then, like, in town, there's probably two hundred fifty of them. They're, like, right there in town. He's buying a town with good business besides, like, you had,

But then, like, in town, there's probably two hundred fifty of them. They're, like, right there in town. He's buying a town with good business besides, like, you had,

31:45

you have a business, and this is kind of like,

you have a business, and this is kind of like,

31:49

adjacent,

adjacent,

31:49

helpful.

helpful.

31:51

If I didn't have that, if I was like, oh, there's this kind of like abandoned ish town, really cheap real estate. I can buy that, like, a reinvigorate. Is that a good idea or no? Well, like, I think I think every company should How about sound? Well, it's like they did.

If I didn't have that, if I was like, oh, there's this kind of like abandoned ish town, really cheap real estate. I can buy that, like, a reinvigorate. Is that a good idea or no? Well, like, I think I think every company should How about sound? Well, it's like they did.

32:08

Know, so we could list a few for, Henry Ford tried doing this in, Yeah. Pillowindows

Know, so we could list a few for, Henry Ford tried doing this in, Yeah. Pillowindows

32:12

is up in Iowa. They have their own tech. Like, like, there's well, a lot of

is up in Iowa. They have their own tech. Like, like, there's well, a lot of

32:17

a lot of towns were built around, like, that big company. Or something like that. But but my thing is, like, is, like, every dumb internet brand should should have one. Right? Like, like, a buddy of mine does,

a lot of towns were built around, like, that big company. Or something like that. But but my thing is, like, is, like, every dumb internet brand should should have one. Right? Like, like, a buddy of mine does,

32:27

well, this this is my thought pattern here. It's like, is like, if you're a ten year old girl and super into baking, Where in America do I have to take you?

well, this this is my thought pattern here. It's like, is like, if you're a ten year old girl and super into baking, Where in America do I have to take you?

32:35

Nohere.

Nohere.

32:36

Right. But somebody, if they could just take that opportunity to grab and they're like, and and we're gonna have Dutch ovens in the store just going and cooking stuff. I think the kitchenaid mixer, you come and have the the experience. You're gonna come and spend two weeks here, try everything they've gotten. You're gonna learn how to make all this cool stuff and then go home and your mom's gonna be stoked to spend three grand to give you the experience because it's magic. And the whole town is built right and that's what you're doing for quilting. That's what we're doing for quilting. That's exactly what you're doing.

Right. But somebody, if they could just take that opportunity to grab and they're like, and and we're gonna have Dutch ovens in the store just going and cooking stuff. I think the kitchenaid mixer, you come and have the the experience. You're gonna come and spend two weeks here, try everything they've gotten. You're gonna learn how to make all this cool stuff and then go home and your mom's gonna be stoked to spend three grand to give you the experience because it's magic. And the whole town is built right and that's what you're doing for quilting. That's what we're doing for quilting. That's exactly what you're doing.

33:03

People are like, oh, I need to go to Paris. Get that experience. But, like, if I'm willing to, like, cooking or design, like, let's say, let's say it's cooking, right? And you go to Paris, you go to Paris and you take a class, but it's, like, but it's, like, you have not gone to the cooking mecca. Yeah. Right? The the the cooking mecca looks like we bought every building on this street and, and walk in this one. We have we have all the cake decorating stuff And then we've got all the baking stuff in here, and we got all the ingredients. So you'll give tours.

People are like, oh, I need to go to Paris. Get that experience. But, like, if I'm willing to, like, cooking or design, like, let's say, let's say it's cooking, right? And you go to Paris, you go to Paris and you take a class, but it's, like, but it's, like, you have not gone to the cooking mecca. Yeah. Right? The the the cooking mecca looks like we bought every building on this street and, and walk in this one. We have we have all the cake decorating stuff And then we've got all the baking stuff in here, and we got all the ingredients. So you'll give tours.

33:27

Or I don't know what you wanna call it. Well, no. You sell the stuff. You're a retailer. Right? And and, like, tours tours are part of it. Like, people -- Right. -- people well, because when I go there, I'm all of a sudden a part of the community. Right? It's common. So if you go to a brewery, right? It's like you go to a brewery, you could buy the stuff or a winery. You would get it's like, like napa is a good example of this. Sure. Like wine. It's like napa. Well, when if you're a consumer of it, yeah. Right? And it'd be cool to go and take the wine tour and do the whole thing. If you're a beer maker, Where in America do you have to go? There's no somebody should do it. Right? We oh, I was I forget who I was talking to, but they're like,

Or I don't know what you wanna call it. Well, no. You sell the stuff. You're a retailer. Right? And and, like, tours tours are part of it. Like, people -- Right. -- people well, because when I go there, I'm all of a sudden a part of the community. Right? It's common. So if you go to a brewery, right? It's like you go to a brewery, you could buy the stuff or a winery. You would get it's like, like napa is a good example of this. Sure. Like wine. It's like napa. Well, when if you're a consumer of it, yeah. Right? And it'd be cool to go and take the wine tour and do the whole thing. If you're a beer maker, Where in America do you have to go? There's no somebody should do it. Right? We oh, I was I forget who I was talking to, but they're like,

34:02

oh, Patrick. Right? He's from Wisconsin.

oh, Patrick. Right? He's from Wisconsin.

34:04

Was like, it's crazy, man. If I wanna get into cheese making, give me the town that, like, it'll teach me. It has it has twenty stores and I buy the cloth and that you have every kind of cloth and I'll buy the basket and all every kind of basket. Like, somebody's just gonna take that branding

Was like, it's crazy, man. If I wanna get into cheese making, give me the town that, like, it'll teach me. It has it has twenty stores and I buy the cloth and that you have every kind of cloth and I'll buy the basket and all every kind of basket. Like, somebody's just gonna take that branding

34:18

and go build their their town around it and like the biggest wooden nickel in Wisconsin now. And I gotta go see it because it's not what is the example you're giving me?

and go build their their town around it and like the biggest wooden nickel in Wisconsin now. And I gotta go see it because it's not what is the example you're giving me?

34:27

I don't understand.

I don't understand.

34:28

You said that.

You said that.

34:30

Iowa,

Iowa,

34:31

do driving down what what is it? I-seventy.

do driving down what what is it? I-seventy.

34:34

Iowa City has the biggest wooden nickel in Iowa. Or in the world? What is a wood and nickel? What is that? It's like a giant sixteen foot

Iowa City has the biggest wooden nickel in Iowa. Or in the world? What is a wood and nickel? What is that? It's like a giant sixteen foot

34:43

buffalo nickel

buffalo nickel

34:44

like Yeah. I didn't even know what a man out of Nicholas. So is he buffalo in the old and sorry. Am I am I am I still nervous?

like Yeah. I didn't even know what a man out of Nicholas. So is he buffalo in the old and sorry. Am I am I am I still nervous?

34:50

Was talking about Yeah. It's a buffalo nickel. Buffalo nickel has just had nickel that was made before, like I love that I've located it to you. Like, how do you not know Buffalo? Like nineteen o five. What it was it's like I don't know when they stop making it. Any nickel made in the eighteen hundreds, I think it had a picture of a buffalo. Yeah. That's right. That's it. What was The nickel used to have a buffalo. It's it's Topika as the biggest ball of twine. Right? Like, it's it's all the just the roadside novelty.

Was talking about Yeah. It's a buffalo nickel. Buffalo nickel has just had nickel that was made before, like I love that I've located it to you. Like, how do you not know Buffalo? Like nineteen o five. What it was it's like I don't know when they stop making it. Any nickel made in the eighteen hundreds, I think it had a picture of a buffalo. Yeah. That's right. That's it. What was The nickel used to have a buffalo. It's it's Topika as the biggest ball of twine. Right? Like, it's it's all the just the roadside novelty.

35:16

Come see the biggest whatever

Come see the biggest whatever

35:19

the biggest pecan is in like Minnesota, I think, or something. Right? Gotcha. And you're like, alright, I'm just gonna get off this highway and go look at this stupid, huge pecan. Take a picture by it. And, like, then buy back So what are the economics? Let's say somebody does this. Like, what's a what's a vertical where you're, like, a category where you're, like, somebody should definitely do it for on a beard or whatever. So, like, we just had twins a couple of years ago, and I wanna, like,

the biggest pecan is in like Minnesota, I think, or something. Right? Gotcha. And you're like, alright, I'm just gonna get off this highway and go look at this stupid, huge pecan. Take a picture by it. And, like, then buy back So what are the economics? Let's say somebody does this. Like, what's a what's a vertical where you're, like, a category where you're, like, somebody should definitely do it for on a beard or whatever. So, like, we just had twins a couple of years ago, and I wanna, like,

35:41

where do we have to fly to if you're gonna have a baby and they have the coolest experience. You race the the the, you know, the stroller around the track. And then he tries fifteen different cars. Yeah. Yeah. It should be in, like, Lehigh Utah or some Right? Would it write with a Mormon. Maybe Nicole you've ever seen.

where do we have to fly to if you're gonna have a baby and they have the coolest experience. You race the the the, you know, the stroller around the track. And then he tries fifteen different cars. Yeah. Yeah. It should be in, like, Lehigh Utah or some Right? Would it write with a Mormon. Maybe Nicole you've ever seen.

35:58

But but like but like the novelty of they have twenty stores, and you're gonna go and spend a week there and come out with eight thousand dollars worth of baby stuff. Is is the draw. Right? You're gonna all your shopping's done there. Every baby products represented. Like, that's that's the novelty of it. And, the economics the economics is gonna vary by, like, like, interest to interest. Where is the money made? Is it in the retail to sales or is it in the land appreciation? Because you now made a tonation? Yeah. Is it just just more is it just a retail business that has higher than normal volume? No. No. No. No. No. I'm I I worry that I'm doing a bad job explaining this. And if I am, like, let's keep digging on it because it's great. But, like, we're just zombies. So

But but like but like the novelty of they have twenty stores, and you're gonna go and spend a week there and come out with eight thousand dollars worth of baby stuff. Is is the draw. Right? You're gonna all your shopping's done there. Every baby products represented. Like, that's that's the novelty of it. And, the economics the economics is gonna vary by, like, like, interest to interest. Where is the money made? Is it in the retail to sales or is it in the land appreciation? Because you now made a tonation? Yeah. Is it just just more is it just a retail business that has higher than normal volume? No. No. No. No. No. I'm I I worry that I'm doing a bad job explaining this. And if I am, like, let's keep digging on it because it's great. But, like, we're just zombies. So

36:35

for for, an internet business, right? That, like, our company, there's a bunch of no name warehouses on the internet that sell fabric.

for for, an internet business, right? That, like, our company, there's a bunch of no name warehouses on the internet that sell fabric.

36:43

Right? But we are

Right? But we are

36:45

a little quilt shop in Hamilton, Missouri. In fact, we're we're a cool quilt shop with all this branding and all this cool stuff that we've done, and we'll never be the nameless faceless warehouse. Right? So if you're starting if you're starting, you know, whatever whatever goofy company you're doing, right? Like,

a little quilt shop in Hamilton, Missouri. In fact, we're we're a cool quilt shop with all this branding and all this cool stuff that we've done, and we'll never be the nameless faceless warehouse. Right? So if you're starting if you're starting, you know, whatever whatever goofy company you're doing, right? Like,

37:01

the second you open up a town. So one of the guys here, he he's doing, like, fire brand tea. Right? Yeah. David Segal. And I and I'm, like, I'm like, bro, like,

the second you open up a town. So one of the guys here, he he's doing, like, fire brand tea. Right? Yeah. David Segal. And I and I'm, like, I'm like, bro, like,

37:10

go go open up a retail store. Because the second you do that, I'm not just buying from your crappy warehouse where you're importing and trying to reach them. Lift because you're like, we're a real place. A brand a real time. Branding play. And, like, people like this, you'll never come here even if you'll never come here because ninety nine percent of your total traffic never goes there. You're saying that that stands you out against everything. Yeah. That's the common DDC brand. And our split, our split, like, we get ninety percent of our revenue is online. Ten percent is store, a little less in terms of, like, eight percent in store, but but, like, our marketing is ninety eight percent the town.

go go open up a retail store. Because the second you do that, I'm not just buying from your crappy warehouse where you're importing and trying to reach them. Lift because you're like, we're a real place. A brand a real time. Branding play. And, like, people like this, you'll never come here even if you'll never come here because ninety nine percent of your total traffic never goes there. You're saying that that stands you out against everything. Yeah. That's the common DDC brand. And our split, our split, like, we get ninety percent of our revenue is online. Ten percent is store, a little less in terms of, like, eight percent in store, but but, like, our marketing is ninety eight percent the town.

37:43

Let me tell you the story about, oh, Susie Breider quilting. Oh, look at this new display. We did. Oh, all this stuff. Right? And that's that's the story that we tell.

Let me tell you the story about, oh, Susie Breider quilting. Oh, look at this new display. We did. Oh, all this stuff. Right? And that's that's the story that we tell.

37:52

While most of our traffic or most of our revenue comes from online sales. Right? So that's why I'm saying, like, dude, if you're if you have a brand That's fascinating. So so many of these guys are just trying to flip shop by stores. Like, we import, and it ships out a ship bomb, and it's great. And it's like, yeah. But, like, people know they're just getting, like, scam I mean, you're just buying to resell and try to make a profit. And, the second you build a little bit of a of an experience around it. Right? Like, do the work to to build the physical manifestation

While most of our traffic or most of our revenue comes from online sales. Right? So that's why I'm saying, like, dude, if you're if you have a brand That's fascinating. So so many of these guys are just trying to flip shop by stores. Like, we import, and it ships out a ship bomb, and it's great. And it's like, yeah. But, like, people know they're just getting, like, scam I mean, you're just buying to resell and try to make a profit. And, the second you build a little bit of a of an experience around it. Right? Like, do the work to to build the physical manifestation

38:18

of your brand. It's the the the company, all of a sudden, it's much, much more interesting in my mind. Let's say you, you sell the company in two years, your your you or your family, collectively,

of your brand. It's the the the company, all of a sudden, it's much, much more interesting in my mind. Let's say you, you sell the company in two years, your your you or your family, collectively,

38:28

or maybe a bill worth a billion. You're not working with quilting anymore. What what do you wanna do? What do you wanna start another company? And type of company? What do you wanna do with your time? I have no idea. I started a company. I love called pretzel, this la, like, two years ago. And,

or maybe a bill worth a billion. You're not working with quilting anymore. What what do you wanna do? What do you wanna start another company? And type of company? What do you wanna do with your time? I have no idea. I started a company. I love called pretzel, this la, like, two years ago. And,

38:42

it we it was the it was the the photo roll meets the credit card statement. Right? So we itemized all of your transactions and show you this very beautiful, like, oh, here's all the stuff I bought. It was I thought it was super cool in, like, the dude, the Skew level

it we it was the it was the the photo roll meets the credit card statement. Right? So we itemized all of your transactions and show you this very beautiful, like, oh, here's all the stuff I bought. It was I thought it was super cool in, like, the dude, the Skew level

38:54

data or aggregated around the user was so interesting to me and,

data or aggregated around the user was so interesting to me and,

38:59

couldn't finance it, ended up shutting it down. And so, like, that was that was my my big play at it. And now I've I've got some major PTSD of, like, I never wanna raise money again. I felt

couldn't finance it, ended up shutting it down. And so, like, that was that was my my big play at it. And now I've I've got some major PTSD of, like, I never wanna raise money again. I felt

39:10

would you take somebody else's money and like, don't give them a return? I'm like, I'm an investor. I know it's fine, but I felt so bad.

would you take somebody else's money and like, don't give them a return? I'm like, I'm an investor. I know it's fine, but I felt so bad.

39:17

Bad. So what do you wanna do then? Well, so now I'm just doing lemonade sand stuff. Right? It's like, like, my therapist says she's like, I think you wanna be DaVinci.

Bad. So what do you wanna do then? Well, so now I'm just doing lemonade sand stuff. Right? It's like, like, my therapist says she's like, I think you wanna be DaVinci.

39:25

You you wanna, like,

You you wanna, like,

39:26

design a bridge and then a helicopter, and then go paint a chapel. And I'm like, yeah. Yeah. I think that's what I wanna do. I just, like, I'm gonna do little lemonade stand style businesses just like little things that can't scale. Like, what's an example? What do you mean by that? Like, I wanna do a barbecue place. Right? Like, and I'm yeah, it'd be great. And I'll, like, have a have the meat, the pickle, the, and the sauce. Right. Like, that'd be cool. And I could do the branding amazing. And as long as I was cool, let it die in four months, I think I'd really enjoy it. As soon as it turned into like, now I built this thing. I got grinded out. Like, I'd be miserable.

design a bridge and then a helicopter, and then go paint a chapel. And I'm like, yeah. Yeah. I think that's what I wanna do. I just, like, I'm gonna do little lemonade stand style businesses just like little things that can't scale. Like, what's an example? What do you mean by that? Like, I wanna do a barbecue place. Right? Like, and I'm yeah, it'd be great. And I'll, like, have a have the meat, the pickle, the, and the sauce. Right. Like, that'd be cool. And I could do the branding amazing. And as long as I was cool, let it die in four months, I think I'd really enjoy it. As soon as it turned into like, now I built this thing. I got grinded out. Like, I'd be miserable.

39:59

And, and so I'll just try, like, little stuff like that. I I mean,

And, and so I'll just try, like, little stuff like that. I I mean,

40:03

at some point, I'll get into another thing, but, like, right now. When you're in your early 20s in in late teens, did you think you were gonna be wealthy? And then

at some point, I'll get into another thing, but, like, right now. When you're in your early 20s in in late teens, did you think you were gonna be wealthy? And then

40:10

No. No. I I do. That's interesting.

No. No. I I do. That's interesting.

40:13

No, not at all. Right? And it's kinda jacked it jacks with your head a little bit. And, like, I never

No, not at all. Right? And it's kinda jacked it jacks with your head a little bit. And, like, I never

40:18

I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would be where I am today. Right? And so, like, I was talking to my wife a couple days ago. I was like, I think I might need

I never dreamed in my wildest dreams that I would be where I am today. Right? And so, like, I was talking to my wife a couple days ago. I was like, I think I might need

40:27

can we do a vision board? I've never dreamt of like, what else is out there? What else I wanna I wanna do with my life? You're, like, overshot what you had picture. Yeah. You never repicked her. Sometimes you get over plan.

can we do a vision board? I've never dreamt of like, what else is out there? What else I wanna I wanna do with my life? You're, like, overshot what you had picture. Yeah. You never repicked her. Sometimes you get over plan.

40:39

I didn't think make this work. And so landing here landing here, I mean, it's a it's a big it's a big thing in my head of, like, trying to navigate, like, like, in a in a very serious way of, like, I don't I don't know. When you remove the motivation of money, what do you do with the rest of your life? Because so much of our of our world is built around, like, gotta get money. In the same year, dude, I stepped back from my company,

I didn't think make this work. And so landing here landing here, I mean, it's a it's a big it's a big thing in my head of, like, trying to navigate, like, like, in a in a very serious way of, like, I don't I don't know. When you remove the motivation of money, what do you do with the rest of your life? Because so much of our of our world is built around, like, gotta get money. In the same year, dude, I stepped back from my company,

41:00

so the day to day work. I got married. I bought a house, and we got pregnant with our first kid. And I was like, every milestone I imagined I ever wanted to work for, and like, dude,

so the day to day work. I got married. I bought a house, and we got pregnant with our first kid. And I was like, every milestone I imagined I ever wanted to work for, and like, dude,

41:10

when you're dating, it's very it's a great reason to go to the gym. You're like, I gotta look good. And I said, I'm married. I'm screw it. You don't care how many push ups I can do? Like, I'm not going anywhere. And, like, and it was, like, it was a full on funky depression, like, not not like a depression, like, a lot like, grown up people have is like a baby depression for me, but but, like, just figuring out what I was supposed to reach for was, was a really hard walk for me. And where'd you, like, what was the how'd you get out of that?

when you're dating, it's very it's a great reason to go to the gym. You're like, I gotta look good. And I said, I'm married. I'm screw it. You don't care how many push ups I can do? Like, I'm not going anywhere. And, like, and it was, like, it was a full on funky depression, like, not not like a depression, like, a lot like, grown up people have is like a baby depression for me, but but, like, just figuring out what I was supposed to reach for was, was a really hard walk for me. And where'd you, like, what was the how'd you get out of that?

41:37

Yeah.

Yeah.

41:39

I I don't know. Well, So, like, doing Like, any man, I just buried it inside and moved on. You'll come back up later. Yeah. Exactly. Didn't be heavy with reboot, guys. I don't know if you know, like, Jerry Colona over a reboot. He's like the, like, the big exec coach. Yeah. Coach. Who do you go? Do you have some other? Who who's he coaching?

I I don't know. Well, So, like, doing Like, any man, I just buried it inside and moved on. You'll come back up later. Yeah. Exactly. Didn't be heavy with reboot, guys. I don't know if you know, like, Jerry Colona over a reboot. He's like the, like, the big exec coach. Yeah. Coach. Who do you go? Do you have some other? Who who's he coaching?

41:54

I I don't know. He's a nice man though, and I like him a lot. Me. He's, like, he coached somebody famous, like, you know, whoever. Yeah. It was But he's, like, a retreat now for CEOs. Yeah. It was, like, when I was running the company, dude. Well, because I was running the quilt company, and I I needed grown to like four hundred employees. And I was like I was like thirty thirty two or so. Like, I didn't know what I was doing. And when you when you scale that fast and you don't you you don't scale your own capacity to to lead,

I I don't know. He's a nice man though, and I like him a lot. Me. He's, like, he coached somebody famous, like, you know, whoever. Yeah. It was But he's, like, a retreat now for CEOs. Yeah. It was, like, when I was running the company, dude. Well, because I was running the quilt company, and I I needed grown to like four hundred employees. And I was like I was like thirty thirty two or so. Like, I didn't know what I was doing. And when you when you scale that fast and you don't you you don't scale your own capacity to to lead,

42:20

I found myself like a, you know, sit down in a room and and I was immediately, like, trying to make these other people feel stupid they wouldn't notice that I didn't know what I was doing. Right? You're throwing bombs in your own business. You're like, damn it, Rick. I can't believe he did this thing. And then, like, after his business, I'm not yelling, Rick. Maybe I'm so sorry. Is it you know, that's not me? Yeah. We're on the same team. And and,

I found myself like a, you know, sit down in a room and and I was immediately, like, trying to make these other people feel stupid they wouldn't notice that I didn't know what I was doing. Right? You're throwing bombs in your own business. You're like, damn it, Rick. I can't believe he did this thing. And then, like, after his business, I'm not yelling, Rick. Maybe I'm so sorry. Is it you know, that's not me? Yeah. We're on the same team. And and,

42:42

and, like, like, I came out and I was like, man, I'm hurting the people around me. I gotta fixes. So I went on a on a a boot camp retreat that they do. And like,

and, like, like, I came out and I was like, man, I'm hurting the people around me. I gotta fixes. So I went on a on a a boot camp retreat that they do. And like,

42:50

I came out of that and I was like, I either I I need to fire my co founders. Which was one of three co founders, and I came back. I was like, I gotta fire you guys. They're like, no, that's not gonna happen. And we're like, oh, what should we do? So then we're like, oh, well, that back and like we can we can manage this transition.

I came out of that and I was like, I either I I need to fire my co founders. Which was one of three co founders, and I came back. I was like, I gotta fire you guys. They're like, no, that's not gonna happen. And we're like, oh, what should we do? So then we're like, oh, well, that back and like we can we can manage this transition.

43:06

But, but, like, to get to that point where I could sort of say those words out loud, like, man, I can't keep doing this because it's a family business. It's all the it's the town. Like, I felt all that weight on me and I couldn't get out. And so what did a lot of the therapy stuff And at this point now You're psychedelics?

But, but, like, to get to that point where I could sort of say those words out loud, like, man, I can't keep doing this because it's a family business. It's all the it's the town. Like, I felt all that weight on me and I couldn't get out. And so what did a lot of the therapy stuff And at this point now You're psychedelics?

43:22

Yeah. No. Dude, I'm so I'm so intrigued by psychedelics.

Yeah. No. Dude, I'm so I'm so intrigued by psychedelics.

43:25

But, like, I I'm I'm Mormon Right? And so, like, the idea of doing your Mormon? Yeah. Yeah. Wow.

But, like, I I'm I'm Mormon Right? And so, like, the idea of doing your Mormon? Yeah. Yeah. Wow.

43:35

You wouldn't walk in.

You wouldn't walk in.

43:36

No. You don't. You're the coolest woman I've ever met. And and you know Mormons here. So this is nice. Yeah. Thank you. You didn't have to say that. That was that was that was one, like, in the room.

No. You don't. You're the coolest woman I've ever met. And and you know Mormons here. So this is nice. Yeah. Thank you. You didn't have to say that. That was that was that was one, like, in the room.

43:45

But the, but, no, like, I, like, I think

But the, but, no, like, I, like, I think

43:49

because the stance is very murky in my from the religious standpoint. So I'm like, I've got I've got it, a bunch of mushrooms

because the stance is very murky in my from the religious standpoint. So I'm like, I've got I've got it, a bunch of mushrooms

43:57

capsulated

capsulated

43:57

in my medicine cabinet that I'm like,

in my medicine cabinet that I'm like,

44:00

Dray my wife, I'm like, Grace. Someday, I'm gonna go walking on the land. And I just don't know where I am yet, but I'm gonna go over. I'm never done it. I'm I'm completely sober, but I'm totally into it. I'm trying to convince my wife to do it. Hey. My my fear is like, I just don't wanna be the one guy. Like, oh, he took it and then his brain snapped. And I'm like, No. I don't think that will happen with you. Thank you. I don't think it would either because I've got a good brain, but if it did, I do very soon drink? No. I don't drink. Never touch. Well, fuck. I always thought, like, if I'm because I don't drink either, but I'm, like, if I freak out, I could just get super drunk and I'll be okay, you know. Cool. So you you don't have that. Wait. This this playbook feels made up on this did you?

Dray my wife, I'm like, Grace. Someday, I'm gonna go walking on the land. And I just don't know where I am yet, but I'm gonna go over. I'm never done it. I'm I'm completely sober, but I'm totally into it. I'm trying to convince my wife to do it. Hey. My my fear is like, I just don't wanna be the one guy. Like, oh, he took it and then his brain snapped. And I'm like, No. I don't think that will happen with you. Thank you. I don't think it would either because I've got a good brain, but if it did, I do very soon drink? No. I don't drink. Never touch. Well, fuck. I always thought, like, if I'm because I don't drink either, but I'm, like, if I freak out, I could just get super drunk and I'll be okay, you know. Cool. So you you don't have that. Wait. This this playbook feels made up on this did you?

44:35

No. That was that. Right?

No. That was that. Right?

44:38

Well, what is sides? Yeah. No.

Well, what is sides? Yeah. No.

44:42

I just thought, like, that's, like, my, and that's my parachute. You know, that's my my my escape hatch. I was man, I don't I don't know at what point I'll feel with it, but, like, at some point, I'm just like wait. So you bought it? Or you have it? Yeah. No. A a buddy of mine, a buddy of mine is very he's like, I'm good at onboarding people into, like, I got it too. I'm like, alright. And so I've never done it. No. And I meet those people and they're like, dude, it'll be so great, so controlled, so safe. He he just,

I just thought, like, that's, like, my, and that's my parachute. You know, that's my my my escape hatch. I was man, I don't I don't know at what point I'll feel with it, but, like, at some point, I'm just like wait. So you bought it? Or you have it? Yeah. No. A a buddy of mine, a buddy of mine is very he's like, I'm good at onboarding people into, like, I got it too. I'm like, alright. And so I've never done it. No. And I meet those people and they're like, dude, it'll be so great, so controlled, so safe. He he just,

45:07

like, He's emotionally stable, though. Yeah. I'm like, I don't need this. I'm like, yo. What the Like, do I need to get sad first? The actually part is just, like, is just, like, the the guys are, like, I have my greatest ideas in there. And I'm like, can I just I just wanna see what some of those ideas would be? Yeah. I don't I don't think I need the whole like, I don't need the trip. I guess you're using twelve percent of your brand brand. Then he got, like, your barber that's like, I saw Jesus.

like, He's emotionally stable, though. Yeah. I'm like, I don't need this. I'm like, yo. What the Like, do I need to get sad first? The actually part is just, like, is just, like, the the guys are, like, I have my greatest ideas in there. And I'm like, can I just I just wanna see what some of those ideas would be? Yeah. I don't I don't think I need the whole like, I don't need the trip. I guess you're using twelve percent of your brand brand. Then he got, like, your barber that's like, I saw Jesus.

45:30

Yeah. He was there, bro. I'm like,

Yeah. He was there, bro. I'm like,

45:33

that could be cool too. I mean, I alright. I don't know. Well, dude, this is awesome.

that could be cool too. I mean, I alright. I don't know. Well, dude, this is awesome.

45:38

You came here not knowing anyone. We got you on the pod.

You came here not knowing anyone. We got you on the pod.

45:41

This is pretty sick. You're the most popular guy here. Did you enjoy meeting so many people? Oh, this is a blast. This is a blast.

This is pretty sick. You're the most popular guy here. Did you enjoy meeting so many people? Oh, this is a blast. This is a blast.

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