Failing to Success

Chad Kaleky
  • 5.0（21則評分）
  • 創業
  • 每週更新

Top 5% Ranked Podcast! True stories of entrepreneurs falling forward. Join us as we sit down to hear their real life experiences of triumph over adversity and key metrics that defined their growth. Business Inquiries: chad@ftspod.com

  1. 9月24日

    $17 Million in Coffee Roasted to Taste

    Company Stats:Founded: 1993Annual Revenue: $17 millionEmployees: 195Locations: 9 cafes in Southeastern WisconsinCo-ownership: Established in 2016Certified B Corp since 2022 Podcast Highlights:✅ Stone Creek Coffee scales through B2B, grocery distribution, and e-commerce rather than new physical locations. ✅ Roast-level guided product lines make specialty coffee more accessible to everyday consumers. ✅ Certified B Corp ensures focus on employee wellbeing, ethical sourcing, and positive community impact. Episode Summary:Stone Creek Coffee began in 1993 as one of the first specialty coffee roasters in the United States, years before large brands entered the scene. Over three decades later, the company has grown to nine retail cafes, a thriving wholesale presence, and a rapidly expanding e-commerce division. With annual revenue reaching $17 million, Stone Creek Coffee stands out as a leader in quality, accessibility, and community-driven business practices. Drew Pond, who joined as a café manager in 2014, became COO just months later and a co-owner in 2016. He has played a pivotal role in shifting the company’s growth strategy toward online and B2B sales while maintaining a commitment to craft and hospitality. By prioritizing roast levels and clear tasting notes, the company helps customers navigate specialty coffee in a relatable way. This innovation, combined with a certified B Corp ethos, positions Stone Creek Coffee uniquely within a highly competitive digital coffee marketplace. Looking ahead, Stone Creek Coffee plans to expand its roastery operations while continuing to refine its e-commerce and wholesale strategies. Its model of small-batch craftsmanship, employee empowerment, and ethical sourcing ensures the brand maintains both authenticity and scalability in the specialty coffee industry. Notable Questions We Asked:Q: What makes Stone Creek Coffee’s approach to retail expansion different from other coffee companies? A: Instead of opening more cafes, Stone Creek focuses on B2B partnerships, grocery distribution, and e-commerce growth for scalability. Q: How do you help customers choose the right coffee if they are not familiar with tasting notes? A: Stone Creek simplifies the process by organizing coffee around roast levels, making it easier for consumers to find a flavor profile they enjoy. Q: What role does being a Certified B Corp play in your company’s mission? A: Certification validates Stone Creek’s commitment to employee wellbeing, sustainable sourcing, and long-term community impact. Q: What challenges do you face in competing within the digital coffee marketplace? A: With thousands of online roasters, differentiation comes from clear product presentation, consistent quality, and building customer trust. Q: How does Stone Creek balance small-batch craftsmanship with scaling operations? A: By maintaining smaller production lines and focusing on quality first, even as they expand distribution and e-commerce. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:31 Company Stats 01:23 Business Model and Expansion Strategies 02:23 Challenges and Differentiators in the Digital Space 04:24 Exploring Coffee Varieties and Tasting Notes 08:01 Stone Creek's Ethical Practices and Future Plans 12:01 Connect with Stone Creek Coffee OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-to-success/id1678331694" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    13 分鐘

  2. 5月14日

    350 Years in Handcrafting Chocolates

    Bissinger’s OverviewGrowth: Direct-to-consumer division grew 160% between 2020–2022Employees: 100Founded: 1668Bissinger’s Podcast Highlights ✅ Bissinger’s maintains 350+ years of chocolate-making tradition through small-batch, handcrafted methods ✅ Direct-to-consumer growth has surged with integrated catalog and online marketing strategies ✅ Scaling is achieved by adding small production lines while preserving artisan quality and product consistency Episode Summary In this episode, Dan Abel, Chief Chocolate Officer at Bissinger’s, shares the legacy and evolution of one of the world’s oldest confection brands. Founded in 1668 in Paris, Bissinger’s has preserved its commitment to hand-crafted, small-batch chocolates across centuries. Dan’s family, with chocolate-making roots dating back to 1981, acquired the brand in 2019 and has since honored its ethos while accelerating its growth. The conversation dives into Bissinger’s unique production philosophy, where even as demand grows, each confection remains handmade in 100-pound batches on compact, artisan-style lines. Dan discusses the importance of balancing wholesale, direct-to-consumer, and retail strategies, including partnerships with Barnes & Noble and expansion into brick-and-mortar storefronts. This episode reveals how staying true to tradition, while evolving with technology and consumer behavior, can build a premium brand that stands the test of time. Notable Questions We AskedQ: How old is the Bissinger’s brand and when did you acquire it? A: Bissinger’s was founded in 1668 in Paris, France. Dan Abel’s family became the seventh owner in 2019. Q: How did Bissinger’s scale production without compromising quality? A: The company adds small artisan-style production lines, each operated by a team of three, to maintain handcrafted consistency as they scale. Q: What led to the growth of your direct-to-consumer channel? A: A combination of print catalogs, a strong online strategy, and a new enterprise tech stack helped drive 160% growth from 2020–2022. Q: What is the brand’s approach to retail and wholesale partnerships? A: Bissinger’s is stocked in Barnes & Noble, Dillard’s, and over 1,000 specialty stores while expanding its own storefronts from one to three locations. Q: Why did you continue producing in small batches despite scaling up? A: Small batches ensure optimal caramelization, product quality, and uphold the brand’s artisan ethos—even as demand increases. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:29 Company Stats 01:01 The Acquisition Journey 03:17 Navigating Challenges and Growth 04:41 Direct to Consumer Expansion 07:38 Manufacturing and Production Insights 09:45 Connect with Bissinger's OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS ‍SPOTIFY AMAZON Add us on: a...

    11 分鐘

  3. 4月23日

    $350 Million in Multi-Family Assets

    Jake & Gino OverviewAnnual Revenue: $24 Million in RentsEmployees: 90Founded: 20131,800 multifamily units currently owned and $350 million in assets under management Jake & Gino Podcast Highlights✅ Real estate success stems from creating long-term systems, not chasing quick wins or syndication trends ✅ Vertical integration enables profit-per-unit optimization and complete control over property operations ✅ Understanding your money mindset and investing goals is crucial before scaling into multifamily real estate Episode SummaryIn this episode, Gino Barbaro, co-founder of Jake & Gino, breaks down how he scaled his multifamily real estate portfolio from a single 25-unit property to 1,800 units and $350 million in assets under management. Gino emphasizes the power of vertical integration over rapid syndication, choosing to retain full control over property operations for better profitability and stability. He discusses the compounding effects of long-term strategy, mentorship, and smart capital deployment across real estate ventures. Gino also explores the foundational mindset needed for financial success. He shares how transforming his relationship with money—from scarcity to stewardship—allowed him to grow as both an entrepreneur and investor. By emphasizing the importance of understanding your money persona and embracing smart leverage, Gino provides a practical playbook for any aspiring multifamily investor. This episode is a masterclass on investing frameworks, team building, and staying committed to long-term growth in real estate. Notable Questions We Asked❓ What’s the current size and structure of Jake & Gino’s real estate portfolio? 👉 1,800 units owned with $350 million in assets and a vertically integrated team of 90+ full-time members. ❓ What mindset shift helped you grow from your first deal to hundreds of units? 👉 Understanding money as a tool, not a goal, and focusing on long-term investment strategies. ❓ Why did you choose vertical integration instead of third-party management? 👉 Vertical integration allows more control, higher profitability, and a stronger operational foundation. ❓ How important is understanding your “money persona” before investing? 👉 It’s critical—you need to know your relationship with money to make empowered, long-term investment decisions. ❓ What’s your outlook on the multifamily real estate market heading into 2025? 👉 It’s a buyer’s market with massive opportunity as trillions in commercial debt come due. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:14 Company Stats 00:56 Building a Real Estate Empire 01:41 The Journey to Success: Early Challenges 03:57 Understanding Money and Mindset 08:06 Leveraging Debt and Market Insights 11:47 Connect with Co-founder of Jake & Gino OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS ‍SPOTIFY a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f26c9428-0bde-4628-aa5d-c1f9fc96bcb7/failing-to-success" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    13 分鐘

  4. 4月9日

    Relief from Chargebacks

    Chargebacks911 OverviewFounded: 2012Employees: ~350 Chargebacks911 Podcast Highlights✅ Chargebacks911 supports hundreds of thousands of clients worldwide, including banks, merchants, and tech companies. ✅ Benjamin attributes career growth to continuous self-development, problem-solving, and integrity in leadership. ✅ International expansion success starts with markets similar to your own and hiring local, culturally aligned teams. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Benjamin Bridwell, President of Chargebacks911, shares his journey rising through the ranks of a global fintech company specializing in chargeback management solutions. With a client base reaching hundreds of thousands and a team of over 350 employees across multiple continents, Chargebacks911 has established itself as the leading solution in its industry. Benjamin discusses the keys to scaling a business globally, including the importance of understanding cultural differences, hiring local talent, and dominating one market before moving to the next. He also shares personal leadership insights, including lessons from the book Good to Great, the importance of continuous improvement, and how striving to provide value across every part of the organization contributed to his rise from team member to president. The conversation also explores the universal applicability of Chargebacks911’s solutions, given their relevance to any transaction involving Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, or alternative payment methods. Whether you’re growing your career, expanding globally, or improving your business processes, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, scale, and global strategy. Notable Questions We AskedQ: What helped Benjamin Bridwell rise to President at Chargebacks911? A: Consistently showing up, solving problems, leading with integrity, and continuously developing skills and business acumen were key to his career growth. Q: What is Chargebacks911’s client reach? A: The company works with hundreds of thousands of clients globally, including major banks, merchants, and tech companies. Q: How does Chargebacks911 approach international expansion? A: The team begins with markets culturally and operationally similar to their own, hires local experts, and deeply respects regional business customs. Q: What book has been pivotal in Benjamin’s leadership journey? A: Good to Great by Jim Collins helped shape his mindset around continuous improvement and refusing to settle for the status quo. Q: How can businesses approach global markets more effectively? A: Start with one similar market, learn its nuances, build localized teams, and then expand methodically to the next region. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:09 Company Stats 00:41 Company Overview and Global Presence 01:20 Leadership and Personal Development 02:34 International Expansion Strategies 04:46 Keys to Career Advancement 06:20 Connect with Chargebacks911 OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE APPLE PODCASTS ‍a...

    9 秒

  5. 4月2日

    $8 Million in Mortgage

    RCG Mortgage OverviewFounded: April 2017Annual Revenue: $6M–$8MEmployees: 40 RCG Mortgage Podcast Highlights✅ RCG Mortgage scales by staying purchase-centric and building long-term, value-driven partnerships with realtors. ✅ Social media strategy combines humor, education, and authenticity to turn a “boring” industry into relatable and viral content. ✅ Delegating tasks and buying back time helps Andrew scale operations while maintaining a high standard of excellence. Episode SummaryIn this engaging episode, Andrew Russell, founder of RCG Mortgage, breaks down how he scaled his business to $6–8 million in annual revenue with a strong focus on purchase-driven mortgage origination. Leveraging his psychology background and experience as a guidance counselor, Andrew built RCG on a philosophy of trust, education, and relationship-first business practices—especially with realtors. Andrew shares his journey of transforming the mortgage industry’s “boring” image into viral and educational content, amassing over 130K TikTok followers and 45K+ on Instagram. His social media strategy combines humor, real-life mortgage scenarios, and family content to establish brand trust and generate direct and indirect business leads. He also reveals the importance of delegation and team building, explaining how embracing 80% delegation efficiency allowed him to scale sustainably. With insightful commentary on the current real estate market, the importance of consistency in content creation, and game-changing book recommendations like Buy Back Your Time and Atomic Habits, this episode is a masterclass in combining old-school hustle with modern brand building. Notable Questions We AskedQ: What is a purchase-centric mortgage strategy and why does it matter? A: It focuses on home purchase loans rather than refinancing, creating sustainable growth by building long-term realtor relationships that generate consistent referrals. Q: How has Andrew used social media to grow RCG Mortgage? A: He blends mortgage education with humor, family life, and real-life scenarios, growing to 130K+ TikTok followers and building brand trust across platforms. Q: What helped Andrew delegate and scale his business operations? A: Reading Buy Back Your Time helped him embrace the 80% rule, allowing others to take over tasks and free him up for growth. Q: What are the best books that helped shape Andrew’s business mindset? A: Atomic Habits for building repeatable success routines and Buy Back Your Time for learning to delegate and scale effectively. Q: What trends is Andrew seeing in the mortgage and real estate market today? A: Fewer licensed loan officers, reduced housing inventory, and the rise of tech like AI mean companies must hustle smarter and outwork the competition. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:12 Company Stats 00:36 Scaling the Business 06:15 Key Books for Business Growth 08:37 Delegation and Team Building 10:43 Current Real Estate Market Insights OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE a...

    13 分鐘

  6. 3月26日

    $250 Million in Air Filtration

    Filterbuy OverviewFounded: 2012Annual Revenue: $250 millionEmployees: ~1,000 Filterbuy Podcast Highlights✅ Filterbuy scales to $250M+ by owning its manufacturing and logistics, ensuring next-day delivery and minimal inventory waste. ✅ The company mastered Amazon early, leveraging its growth to dominate the air filter industry while maintaining direct-to-consumer control. ✅ Success in e-commerce comes from mastering one sales channel before expanding—Amazon was key for Filterbuy, TikTok Shops could be next. Episode SummaryIn this episode, David Heacock, founder and CEO of Filterbuy, shares how he built a $250 million direct-to-consumer air filter brand by perfecting logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce strategy. He explains how the first eight years were a grind, growing to $70 million before strategically expanding operations and scaling nationwide. David emphasizes that Filterbuy is more of a logistics company than an air filter brand, with seven distribution centers and a just-in-time inventory model that ensures next-day delivery at scale. By keeping less than two weeks of finished goods inventory, Filterbuy operates more efficiently than traditional competitors. He also shares insights on the importance of focusing on a single sales channel—Amazon was the launchpad for Filterbuy’s early success, and today it generates over $160 million in annual sales. Looking forward, Filterbuy is expanding its retail and B2B presence, recently launching in 550+ Walmart stores. David also advises new entrepreneurs to find a high-growth sales channel and dominate it first, suggesting TikTok Shops as a potential goldmine for today’s startups. Notable Questions We AskedQ: What made Filterbuy stand out in the competitive air filter industry? A: The company controls its entire manufacturing and logistics process, allowing for next-day delivery, minimal inventory waste, and unmatched variety in filter sizes. Q: What sales channel was most crucial to Filterbuy’s success? A: Amazon and Filterbuy.com were the biggest early drivers, with Amazon alone generating over $160M annually—David advises new brands to master one channel first. Q: How does Filterbuy keep inventory so lean? A: The company keeps less than two weeks of finished goods, instead stocking raw materials that can be quickly converted into final products in seven distribution centers. Q: What’s the next big opportunity in e-commerce? A: David sees TikTok Shops as a fast-growing sales channel that startups should master early, just like Amazon was a decade ago. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:19 Company Stats 00:47 Scaling Up: From Startup to $250 Million 01:11 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities 01:59 Mastering Logistics for Competitive Advantage 05:10 Sales Channels and Early Success 07:17 Connect with Filterbuy OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-to-success/id1678331694"...

    9 分鐘

  7. 3月19日

    $1 Billion in Digital Asset Transactions

    Flippa OverviewFounded: 2009Total Transaction Value Processed: Over $1 billionAnnual Transaction Volume: Around $200 million# of Employees: 75 Flippa Podcast Highlights✅ Flippa has processed over $1 billion in digital asset sales, democratizing online business exits. ✅ AI-powered matching and data integrations ensure trust and transparency in business transactions. ✅ YouTube channels, AI-powered businesses, and KDP publishing are among the fastest-growing categories on Flippa. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Blake Hutchison, CEO of Flippa, shares insights into how Flippa has transformed into the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling digital assets. Since its founding in 2009, Flippa has evolved from a bootstrapped startup to a $1 billion+ transaction platform, facilitating over $200 million in trades annually. Blake highlights the importance of marketplace integrity, buyer-seller trust, and AI-driven matching as key factors in Flippa’s growth. Blake discusses how digital assets—especially e-commerce stores, SaaS companies, AI businesses, and YouTube channels—are in high demand, with transactions ranging from $25K to $1M+. He explains why business buyers are looking for more than just high subscriber counts on YouTube—views and engagement matter most. Flippa has also expanded into partial stake sales, allowing entrepreneurs to sell a percentage of their business instead of a full exit. Looking ahead, Flippa plans to introduce new digital categories like Chrome extensions and Slack plugins, while enhancing its Flippa University to help both buyers and sellers navigate the acquisition process effectively. With growing investor interest in online businesses, Flippa is positioning itself as the go-to marketplace for digital entrepreneurs seeking liquidity. Notable Questions We AskedQ: What is the most common price range for businesses sold on Flippa? A: The majority of businesses sell in the $250,000 to $500,000 range, catering to both first-time buyers and acquisition entrepreneurs. Q: How does Flippa ensure trust between buyers and sellers? A: With AI-powered matching, financial integrations with Shopify, QuickBooks, and AdSense, and mandatory buyer onboarding, ensuring data accuracy and acquisition fit. Q: What are the fastest-growing categories on Flippa? A: AI-powered businesses, YouTube channels, and Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) are among the most in-demand assets right now. Q: Why are YouTube channels becoming a popular asset to buy and sell? A: Buyers value view history over subscribers because past engagement predicts future revenue, making it a strong media asset for investors. Q: What’s next for Flippa? A: Expanding into new digital categories (Chrome extensions, Slack plugins) and partial stake sales, allowing business owners to sell a percentage of their business instead of a full exit. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:45 Flippa's Growth and Professionalization 02:10 Building Trust and Marketplace Integrity 04:08 Enhancing Buyer and Seller Experience 06:32 Trends and Popular Asset Types on Flippa 10:31 Future of Flippa and New Categories 12:33 Connect...

    14 分鐘

  8. 3月12日

    $100 Million Raised for Home Building

    FrameTec OverviewFounded: 2022Capital Raised: $100 millionValuation: Approximately $1 billion# of Employees: 40 FrameTec Podcast Highlights✅ Raising capital is about trust, not hype—relationships built over years lead to rapid funding success. ✅ Hiring the right mentor accelerates growth—paying for expertise creates accountability and drives high-impact decision-making. ✅ FrameTec's innovative construction process is 4x faster, produces 99% less waste, and ensures superior quality through automation. Episode SummaryIn this episode, Damion Lupo, co-founder of FrameTec, shares the journey of transforming an idea sketched on a napkin into a billion-dollar company in just two years. FrameTec is revolutionizing the construction industry with cutting-edge automation, drastically improving efficiency, reducing material waste, and accelerating build times. Damion explains how securing $100 million in capital was less about flashy presentations and more about years of relationship-building and establishing trust. Beyond funding, Damion dives into the 10 Steps to 10 Million, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right mentors, eliminating ego, and focusing on serving others. He shares how personal and business failures shaped his approach to success, allowing him to scale at lightning speed. FrameTec’s breakthrough process in framing construction—where walls are prefabricated in a controlled environment and assembled on-site—significantly reduces costs, eliminates material waste, and enhances build precision, solving a major bottleneck in housing development. With a mission-driven approach, FrameTec is not just changing how homes are built but also redefining how the industry collaborates. By integrating automation and smart technology, they are supporting electricians, plumbers, and contractors to streamline their work, making construction more predictable and scalable. Notable Questions We AskedQ: How did you raise $100 million in just two years? A: By building deep trust with investors over years. Raising capital isn’t about hype—it’s about relationships and credibility. Q: What are the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling? A: Ego, lack of mentorship, and chasing money instead of focusing on serving a mission-driven purpose. Q: How does FrameTec’s process compare to traditional homebuilding? A: It’s 4x faster, has 99% less material waste, and ensures higher build precision through robotics and automation. Q: What’s the #1 lesson in going from a startup to a billion-dollar company? A: Hire great people, trust them, and get out of their way. Success comes from leveraging the strengths of your team. Q: How does mentorship impact business success? A: The right mentor can save years of trial and error. Investing in mentorship forces accountability and speeds up growth exponentially. Chapters00:00 Intro 00:22 Company Stats 00:59 Raising Capital and Building Trust 03:13 The Importance of Mentorship 05:25 10 Steps to 10 Million 09:27 FrameTec's Innovative Construction Process 12:27 Connect with FrameTec OUR WEBSITE Listen on: YOUTUBE a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/failing-to-success/id1678331694" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    14 分鐘
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21 則評分

簡介

Top 5% Ranked Podcast! True stories of entrepreneurs falling forward. Join us as we sit down to hear their real life experiences of triumph over adversity and key metrics that defined their growth. Business Inquiries: chad@ftspod.com

資訊

  • 創作者
    Chad Kaleky
  • 活躍年代
    2023年 - 2025年
  • 集數
    300
  • 年齡分級
    兒少不宜
  • 版權
    © Copyright 2025 Chad Kaleky
  • 節目網站
    Failing to Success