Skating Through Startups

In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, host Neal Bloom sits down with Eric Birkemeier, founder of ShredLights and now part of Meepo Electric Skateboards. Eric’s story is a wild ride - from 3D-printing in the SDSU ZIP Launchpad and selling Jordans out of thrift stores, to building a niche hardware company and ultimately exiting to a global electric skateboard brand.They unpack how Eric turned an early failed Kickstarter into a business with over $1M+ in revenue (with zero ad spend!), the importance of discovering product-market fit through real customer feedback, and the emotional rollercoaster of running and eventually selling a hardware startup during a downturn. From bootstrapping to navigating COVID, tariffs, and copycats - Eric shares what it really takes to get to the finish line (and how the finish line is just another beginning).Key Topics Covered:* From basement builds to business: Eric’s early love for inventing and entrepreneurship* The SDSU ZIP Launchpad, finding community, and the startup that wasn't a fit* Why the wrong customers helped him discover the right market* Pivoting from skate culture to the growing micro-mobility movement* Scaling from 3D printers to overseas supply chains - and the lessons from doing it the hard way* How Kyle and Eric’s founder relationship helped them navigate burnout, illness, and transition* Building trust with manufacturers and how one trip to China changed everything* Financial forecasting, staying lean, and prepping for an acquisition* The gritty, real story behind selling a business - and what Eric’s learned about what comes nextLinks & Resources:* ShredLights* Meepo Electric Skateboards* Physics Girl on YouTubeConnect with Eric & Neal* Connect with Eric Birkemeier* Connect with Neal Bloom This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe