The Fulfillment and Freedom of Pursuing Your Passions

Steve Wampold is an innovator and entrepreneur known for bringing joy through creative product design. As the founder of BigMouth Inc., he revolutionized the novelty pool float market, achieving multi-million-dollar success and earning Target’s “Vendor of the Year” in 2016. In an interview with Jacob Koenig, Steve reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from selling practical jokes online to founding BigMouth in the early 2000s, where he grew the company significantly by selling to major retailers. After seeking advice from Woodbridge and Larry Reinhart, Steve sold BigMouth through a competitive process that exceeded his expectations. Now, as CEO of Bouncy Bands and Punchkins, Steve continues to create joy-driven products while enjoying the freedom of working with a small, tight-knit team.

Here’s what to expect this episode:

• Entrepreneurial Evolution: Steve’s story is a testament to how entrepreneurial vision, when coupled with creativity and persistence, can lead to substantial growth and success.

• Strategic Decision-Making in Business Sales: The decision to explore the market through a sell-side engagement, highlights the importance of understanding market dynamics and being open to opportunities that may reshape a business's future.

• The Emotional Aspects of Selling a Business: They discuss the period of adjustment post-sale and the mix of excitement, uncertainty, and nostalgia that business owners often face during and after the transition.

• Life After a Major Business Transaction: Steve talks about his ventures post-Big Mouth, specifically Bouncy Bands and Punchkins, emphasizing the importance of continuing to pursue one's passion and the joy of creating new products without the intense pressures of his previous role.

• The Importance of the Right Partnerships and Advice: The episode underscores the value of expert advice, thorough market exploration, and strategic positioning in achieving favorable outcomes in business transactions.

Connect with Steve Wampold:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wampold-002a5547/

Connect with Jacob Koenig:

https://woodbridgegrp.com/

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