The Power of Persistence: How Sesh Disrupted the Nicotine Market with Max Cunningham

In this episode, Dave sits down with Max Cunningham, founder and CEO of Sesh, to share an honest look at launching and scaling a high-growth consumer brand in one of the world’s most competitive and regulated industries. Hear how Max went from sports locker rooms and battling with quitting nicotine to creating a top-selling nicotine pouch product, building a modern nicotine company from the ground up. The discussion dives into raising funding with limited resources, overcoming setbacks like maxed out credit cards and borrowing to make payroll, and the power of showing up in person to win key investors and retail partnerships. Max reveals practical lessons on handling rejection, building mental resilience, and transitioning from scrappy founder to company leader. Entrepreneurs will find actionable advice on scaling supply chains, knowing when to ask for help, supporting family during tough stretches, and surviving long enough to get the break you need. Connect with Max: linkedin.com/in/max-cunningham-ba8bb810/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3BsPVzibtVTqWTV7HDOeopVw%3D%3D #entrepreneurship #startups #consumerbrands #ecommerce #buccees