Do Hard Sh*t — Duke Kroll on E-Commerce, Sobriety, and Building with Brutal Honesty

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Duke Kroll, a relentless e-commerce entrepreneur, agency founder, brand builder, Spartan racer, and father of six whose life has been anything but linear—and who wouldn’t have it any other way.Duke’s journey started with hustling on eBay at 15 and took him through roles in ballroom dancing, photography, and Amazon agencies before he launched SellerSlice, his e-com agency built on grit, transparency, and an unapologetic commitment to getting results. But Duke’s not here to talk fluff.He opens up about the real challenges behind his success—including battling addiction, losing massive clients overnight, facing a health crisis that nearly killed him, and how hitting rock bottom became the spark that changed everything. Now over 100 pounds lighter and sober, Duke’s brand isn’t just about business—it’s about rebuilding from the inside out.In this episode, Duke shares:How eBay flipping as a teen taught him the fundamentals of businessThe hard decision to leave a high-paying job to start from scratchWhat most founders get wrong about e-commerce (and how to fix it)Why "extreme ownership" is his leadership non-negotiableHow he reinvented his life—physically, mentally, and professionallyWhy his personal mantra is #DOHARDSHIT and what it means to himWhether you’re running a startup, rethinking your leadership style, or trying to get out of your own damn way, Duke brings the kind of honesty and self-awareness that punches through the noise.Key Takeaways:Success doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from doing hard, uncomfortable things“Rock bottom” can be your reset button if you’re willing to own your storyBuilding a brand and a business is about being brutally honest with yourself firstConnect with Duke Kroll:Instagram: @dukekrollWebsite: dukekroll.comAgency: sellerslice.comPodcast: The Vertical EdgeContact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more episodes, updates, and resources.