Scott Allan, CEO of Hydro Flask, a consumer product company that he guided from $2 million in sales to $100 million in a four-year period (2012-2016), is a story worth telling.

Intro: Scott Allan, Former CEO of Hydro Flask, a consumer product company that he guided from $2 million in sales to $100 million in a four-year period (2012-2016), is a story worth telling. Many aspects of Scott’s and his team’s journey are obviously impressive, but what I enjoyed most was his candor about the challenges, if not failures, he faced along the way. His background as a technology executive, where he spent most of his professionalcareer, was relevant to Hydro Flask’s success, if not an advantage in running a consumer product company. In March 2016, Helen of Troy Limited purchased HydroFlask for $210 million. Scott Allan retired in March 2020, stating, "The goals that I initially aspired to accomplish have largely been achieved.” He continues to be active in advising and investing, with a particular emphasis on consumer brands and outdoor-oriented products and services. I hope you enjoy the interview. Thanks again, Scott, for taking the time to give back and share your journey.As a reminder, I am terrible at marketing, but if you like what you hear and are learning please follow and share the pod. I am now also making content available on a youtube channel (Bending Rules) where “shorts” will be shared to codify some of the instructive remarksof pod guest, if one is not inclined to listen to a whole episode😊.  Let's help as many entrepreneurs as possible, also, my advertisers will appreciate it. Wait a minute, what advertisers? :) Onward ~2:54 – Transition from technology companies to consumer product company5:45 – Early influences and entrepreneurial spirit11:50 – Lessons from crisis management17:46 – Setbacks as a tech leader/lessons29:51 – Is it better to be “overcapitalized” or “undercapitalized”39:55 – Crisis Management Again!45:36 – Hyrdo Flask Journey: growth mindset59:45 – Navigating early crises and building company values1:02 – Scale challenges1:10 – Building a brand and advisory board1:19—When to develop leaders, and when not to1:22 – Ongoing contributions to outdoor community brands and products