The Après Business Podcast

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, Rebecca Babicz sits down with Lisa from Title Nine to unpack how a mission-driven brand can build a powerful ecosystem around women in business, sports, and community.Lisa shares how Title Nine has evolved beyond a traditional retail company into a community engine—supporting women through Pitch Fest, nonprofit grants, partnerships, and hands-on mentorship. From nonprofit grant models to founder support systems and the philosophy of saying “no” to stay aligned, this episode reveals what it really takes to build a brand rooted in purpose—not just profit.Subscribe to the Après Business Podcast for more conversations with founders, operators, and brand leaders building the future of outdoor and performance brands.#Oiselle #WomensRunning #RunningApparel #DirectToConsumer #RebeccaBabicz #RobinVieiraBrower #ApresBusinessPodcast #WomenOwnedBusiness

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Lisa Gilliland, Manager of Community at Title Nine, to break down how Title Nine has built a mission-driven outdoor brand centered around women, community, and long-term impact.Lisa Gilliland shares how Title Nine, the women-led outdoor apparel brand founded by Missy Park, has grown into a powerful hybrid of retailer and product company while staying deeply rooted in its mission to get more women outside. Rebecca Babicz and Lisa Gilliland explore how Title Nine approaches community building, influencer marketing, and partnerships in a way that prioritizes authenticity over scale.About Title NineTitle Nine is a women-led outdoor apparel brand founded in 1989 by Missy Park. Built on the belief that women belong in sports and the outdoors, Title Nine creates high-performance gear while also partnering with and promoting other women-owned brands.Connect with Rebecca BabiczHost of the Après Business Podcast, Rebecca Babicz interviews founders, operators, and brand builders shaping the future of outdoor, retail, and consumer brands.

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Robin Vieira Brower, professional trail runner and Marketing Director at Oiselle, to discuss the unconventional path of building a dual career as both a professional athlete and a marketing leader inside the same brand.Robin shares how she approached Oiselle leadership about continuing her professional racing career while working in a senior marketing role, and how the company embraced the idea as a way to support women showing up as their full selves. What started as a bold personal conversation has evolved into a potential model for helping athletes develop business careers while they compete.Subscribe to the Après Business Podcast for more conversations with founders, operators, and brand leaders building the future of outdoor and performance brands.#Oiselle #WomensRunning #RunningApparel #DirectToConsumer #RebeccaBabicz #RobinVieiraBrower #ApresBusinessPodcast #WomenOwnedBusiness

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Robin Vieira Brower, Professional Runner and Marketing Director at Oiselle, the women-owned performance running brand, to explore how Oiselle is redefining what a modern women’s running brand looks like.Robin Vieira Brower shares how she balances competing as a professional athlete while leading marketing strategy at Oiselle — a brand founded in 2007 to advocate for women in sport and build performance apparel designed specifically for women’s bodies. Together, Rebecca Babicz and Robin Vieira Brower discuss Oiselle’s growth strategy, its evolution through the pandemic, the shift between wholesale and direct-to-consumer (DTC), and why community-driven marketing is reshaping the running industry.

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Deanne Buck, co-founder of women-led apparel brand Branwyn, to unpack what it really takes to build a sustainable, high-growth direct-to-consumer brand in the fashion industry.Topics covered in this episode:Branwyn’s seamless merino wool technologySustainability tradeoffs in the fashion industryDirect-to-consumer vs wholesale apparel modelsBuilding a community-first brand without influencersEthical wool sourcing and factory partnershipsWomen-led leadership and regenerative business values

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Deanne, CEO of women-founded performance brand BRANWYN, to explore how a women-first approach to product design, leadership, and sustainability is reshaping the performance innerwear industry.Deanne shares her unconventional path from conservation and nonprofit leadership into the role of CEO at BRANWYN Performance Innerwear, a direct-to-consumer brand known for seamless merino wool bras, underwear, and leggings designed by and for women. Together, Rebecca and Deanne discuss why BRANWYN remains a women-only brand, how trust and transparency drive long-term customer relationships, and what it really takes to build a values-led business in today’s DTC landscape.This conversation dives deep into women’s performance base layers, the health and comfort benefits of merino wool, and why BRANWYN believes women’s underwear and bras are the true foundation of performance apparel. Deanne also opens up about leading without prior product experience, the power of soft skills in executive roles, and why BRANWYN prioritizes community, sustainability, and radical customer trust over fast growth.If you’re interested in brand-building, women-led companies, sustainable fashion, or how BRANWYN is redefining performance innerwear for women, this episode offers practical insight and honest perspective from inside the business.

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Tara Clark, founder of women-owned ski brand TaraShakti, for part two of their conversation on building a mission-driven outdoor apparel brand and staying in it for the long haul. Tara Clark shares what it really takes to grow TaraShakti beyond the product—from funding realities and long-term vision to trust, vulnerability, and community as a business strategy.#falllinedigital #podcast #yourownbrand #outdoorgear #yourownbusiness #womeninbusiness #skiing #outdoors #startup #startupsuccess #womenfashion

In this episode of the Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz sits down with Tara Clark, founder of women-owned ski brand TaraShakti, to explore how joy, confidence, and 70s-inspired ski style reshaped her experience on the mountain.GuestTara Clark – Founder of Tara Shakti, a women-owned performance ski outerwear brand built for confidence, comfort, and connection.HostRebecca Babicz – Host of the Après Business PodcastSubscribe for more conversations about entrepreneurship, outdoor culture, and building meaningful brands.

In this lively and inspiring part two conversation, Hoohah founder Anna Tedstrom joins Becca to share how her bright, fringe-filled ski apparel line is empowering women on the mountain and shaking up an industry dominated by dull designs.Anna opens up about her creative process, her playful sticker marketing strategy, balancing business with new motherhood, and how confidence on the slopes starts with what you wear. She also dives into the power of community-driven branding, lessons from building a niche company, and why perseverance is the most underrated entrepreneurial skill.From naked ski laps to Dolly Parton-inspired design vibes, this episode captures the energy, humor, and hustle behind one of skiing’s most joyful brands.#falllinedigital #podcast #yourownbrand #outdoorgear #yourownbusiness #womeninbusiness #skiing

This week, Rebecca chats with Anna Tedstrom, the creative force behind Hoohah, a bold, retro-inspired ski apparel brand redefining what it means to have fun on the slopes. From sewing vintage suits in her Oakland apartment to launching a full-on brand out of her Colorado basement, Anna’s story is all about creativity, courage, and carving your own path (literally and figuratively).They discussed how Hoohah got its cheeky name, the balancing act of starting a business while expecting a baby, and what it’s like to be both the designer and face of a fast-growing brand. This one’s for anyone chasing a dream, building something from scratch, or just wanting to inject more joy into their work and wardrobe.#falllinedigital #podcast #yourownbrand #outdoorgear #womeninbusiness #womenempowerment #startup #theapresbusinesspodcast

Rebecca and Emma dig into the messy, emotional, and often overlooked side of entrepreneurship — the pre-launch hustle. Emma opens up about the year and a half she spent designing and developing Allover before launch, surviving without a paycheck, and the gut-wrenching decision to turn down a cushy tech sales job to go all in on her dream.From finding the right designer and navigating the steep learning curve of manufacturing, to building community in a tiny Colorado town and figuring out how to market in a digital-first world, Emma shares the wins, struggles, and very real doubts that shaped Allover. You’ll hear about shipping delays, bootstrapping strategy, why events remain a key driver, and how she’s learning to show up authentically as a content creator and founder.It’s a raw, inspiring conversation about resilience, risk, and what it really means to bet on yourself.#falllinedigital #podcast #yourownbusiness #outdoorgear #womeninbusiness #interview

This week, Rebecca sits down with Emma Rosse, the unstoppable founder of Allover Apparel, the brand making overalls cool again (and not just for toddlers or farmers). From slinging canned wine to hustling in solar tech and travel startups, Emma’s done it all — and every step somehow led her to create the perfect trail-to-taproom fit.In this episode, Emma shares how she turned an idea from a rafting trip into a fast-growing apparel brand, why bootstrapping is both brutal and brilliant, and the moment she realized people really wanted what she was selling. We talk design for real bodies, men vs. women use cases, why saying no to a full product line was actually genius, and how she’s building a business that’s equal parts fun, functional, and founder grit.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to start a brand with nothing but passion, hustle, and a couple of killer overalls — this one’s for you. #falllinedigital #podcast #outdoorgear #startup #womeninbusiness #apresbusinesspodcast

In Part 2 of this episode, Madison Hilson and Tina Thomson get candid about the realities of entrepreneurship—debunking myths, sharing the sacrifices they’ve made, and celebrating the proudest milestones of building Seniq. They discuss why flexibility is a false promise, why most founders will be broke for a while, and how leaning on family and community has been crucial to their survival. Madison and Tina also open up about the emotional resilience required, the surreal moments when they realized women everywhere wanted Seniq, and what’s next for the brand—from wholesale growth to ambitious dreams like brick-and-mortar stores and even Seniq Route Hotels.#falllinedigital #podcast #startup #outdoorgear #innovation #womeninbusiness

Welcome back to the Aprés Business Podcast! In this episode, Madison Hilson and Tina Thomson share the early journey of building Seniq, the women-led outdoor brand challenging the status quo of gear design. They open up about how their experiences at Victoria’s Secret and Backcountry trained them to solve real problems for women, why balancing trend with technical function was their big market opportunity, and how mental health and community became central to Seniq’s DNA. From breathable bibs that finally address “boob sweat” to flattering base layers and perfectly fitted hiking pants, Madison and Tina reveal the product innovations and relentless persistence that helped them build early traction and wholesale success in just two years.#falllinedigital #podcast #startup #innovation #outdoorgear #womeninbusiness #seniq

We’re back with the incredibly honest and inspiring Kelly Mazanti, founder of Buttnski, the women-led outdoor brand that’s flipping the script on performance gear—starting from the bottom (literally). If Part 1 was all about how it started, this one is all about where it’s going.Kelly opens up about her plans to build Buttnski into a full head-to-toe lifestyle brand, what she’s learned about sustainability from her partnership with CU Boulder, and how she’s completely rethinking her marketing game—on a budget. We talk product development, fit obsession, burnout, rebuilding after a tough year, and the moment she decided: I’m done being a one-woman show.This episode is a mix of strategy, raw emotion, and real founder energy that anyone building a brand will connect with.#ecommercegrowth #outdoorproducts #theapresbusinesspodcast #podcast #falllinedigital #buttnski #outdoorgear #womeninbusiness

Welcome back to the Aprés Business Podcast! In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Rebecca Babicz joins Kelly Mazanti, founder of Buttnski, a women-led outdoor apparel brand that’s all about warm butts, cold mountains, and gear that actually fits. What started as a funny family nickname and a pair of vintage fleece shorts from the 80s turned into a brand that’s rewriting what it means to dress for the outdoors—without compromising comfort, confidence, or performance.Kelly shares the hilarious and heartfelt backstory of how she went from being a ballerina and brand strategist to bootstrapping an outdoor company from the ground up—with zero apparel background, a lot of trial and error, and one very loyal fleece-wearing mom.This episode is packed with gold for anyone who's building something real and scrappy—and wants to hear what that actually looks like behind the scenes.#ecommercegrowth #outdoorproducts #theapresbusinesspodcast #podcast #falllinedigital #buttnski #outdoorgear #womeninbusiness

Welcome back to the Aprés Business Podcast!In part two of their conversation, Robin and the interviewer explore what it truly means to run a sustainable, values-driven business—without sacrificing quality or overworking the team.They discuss how Robin approaches difficult decisions, such as choosing between recycled materials and durability, maintaining a small yet highly effective team, and genuinely integrating community involvement into the business rather than treating it as a mere checkbox.Robin also shares what’s next for Town Hall and reflects on the personal growth she’s experienced since becoming a founder.

When her job at Smartwool was relocating to Denver, Robin Hall decided to do something a little wild—stay in Steamboat Springs and build a mission-driven kids’ outerwear brand from the ground up.In this episode, Robin shares the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how Town Hall Outdoor Co. was born: from a career pivot she never planned, to designing gear that actually keeps kids dry, warm, and stoked to be outside.Whether you’re a parent, a brand builder, or someone who’s ever questioned the next big move—you’ll want to hear this.Episode Highlights:Why Robin turned down a corporate relocation to stay rooted in her mountain townThe personal and professional leap from Smartwool to starting a new brandThe early “we’re doing this” moment with her co-foundersHow they discovered white space in the kids' outdoor marketWhy the team built gear based on “KidSumer” feedback, not adult assumptionsDesigning for hand-me-downs, sibling sharing, and fun that lastsRobin Hall: “We weren’t trying to build a brand to scale and flip. We were trying to stay in our town and solve a real problem for our kids.” Robin Hall: “The best thing you can do for the planet is to make something that lasts—and that means gear that doesn’t fall apart after one season.” Becca Babicz: “You make it sound simple—like, ‘Oh, we just decided to start a company instead of moving to Denver.’ But it’s a huge leap.”Sometimes the most meaningful businesses are born out of personal choices, not business plans.The kids' gear market is often overlooked or treated as an afterthought—Robin and her team are proving that it deserves purpose-built design.Involving actual users (kids!) in product development can lead to better, more thoughtful gear.A strong “why” rooted in community and values can sustain a brand through uncertainty and change.Town Hall Outdoor Co.

In this episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Becca Babicz sits down with Wylie Robinson, co-founder and former CEO of Rumpl, to explore how his outdoor blanket company is weathering major tariff shifts and rethinking its China-based supply chain. Learn how Wylie and his team are navigating sourcing challenges, global logistics, and unpredictable regulations while maintaining brand integrity. If you're an e-commerce entrepreneur or product-based founder looking to future-proof your operations, this candid conversation is a must-listen.Quoteables:“We’re planning the business like the inventory we have now is the only inventory we’ll have this year.” – Wylie Robinson“You can’t wait for the rules to change—you have to build the plan with the rules you’ve got today.” – Wylie RobinsonWhat You’ll Learn:How to restructure your supply chain in response to geopolitical disruptions like U.S.-China tariffs.The differences between country of origin vs. country of transformation in product manufacturing.Why dual sourcing and long-term supplier relationships are essential in physical product businesses.How to make tough decisions about channel prioritization when inventory is limited.Key Takeaways from This Episode:Plan for the present: Make decisions based on current facts, not what might happen.Supplier loyalty matters: Long-term partners can make or break your ability to pivot quickly.Inventory flexibility = survival: Understanding where to push or pause inventory is key in uncertain times.You don’t need all the answers: Even a seasoned founder is still learning on the fly—and that’s okay.People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Rumpl: https://www.rumpl.comClimate Neutral Certification: https://www.climateneutral.orgTrans-Sierra Norte MTB Race: https://www.transsierranorte.comConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

Part 2 of our interview with Ivan Tijerina of Solomon Advertising is a tactical goldmine. We get into the nitty-gritty of how to structure affiliate programs for Amazon, TikTok Shop, and DTC sites, the importance of knowing your margins, and how to calculate commissions to stay profitable. Plus, Ivan shares how to choose the right affiliate platforms and manage expectations with leadership. This is a must-listen for any product-based business owner looking to grow smarter—not just bigger.Quoteables:“Don’t expect affiliate marketing to be the channel that saves your business—especially if others aren’t working.” - Ivan Tijerina“You can't cap an affiliate budget without killing your momentum. It’s not a switch you can flip off.” - Ivan Tijerina“Your $100 serum may only give you $30 to work with. Be conservative—and smart—with your commissions.” - Ivan Tijerina“The good affiliates? They’ll always give you more value than what you’re paying for—always.” - Ivan TijerinaWhat You’ll Learn:How to calculate commissions based on your margins and AOVThe differences between affiliate marketing for Amazon, TikTok Shop, and DTCWhen affiliate marketing should—or shouldn’t—be your first performance channelWhy picking the right affiliate platform depends on your goals, not popularityWhat successful affiliate partnerships look like long-termKey Takeaways from This Episode:Affiliate marketing works best when layered on top of an already-functioning growth enginePlatforms should be chosen based on your strategic goals (media partners vs. influencer play)The best affiliates give more than they’re paid for—if you build a relationshipKnow your numbers: profit margin, commission ceiling, and network fees before scalingPeople and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Ivan Tijerina LinkedInSolomon Advertising WebsiteJenson USA WebsiteShareASaleImpactAmazon AssociatesTik Tok ShopConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

In Part 1 of this deep dive with Ivan Tijerina, founder of Solomon Advertising, we unpack the essentials of affiliate marketing for e-commerce businesses. Ivan shares how he got his start in the industry, the biggest mistakes new affiliate managers make, and how to avoid fraud and low-value coupon sites. Whether you're scaling an established program or starting from scratch, this episode is packed with practical lessons that will help you build a sustainable and trustworthy affiliate channel.Quoteables:“It’s partnerships that send traffic to your website that generate a sale, and they get a commission. It’s as simple as that.” - Ivan Tijerina“Avoiding fraud isn’t just about blocking bad actors—it’s about knowing who was already kicked out and why.” - Ivan Tijerina“I fell into affiliate marketing. Someone believed in me before I believed in myself.” - Ivan Tijerina“A lot of brands let in bad affiliates simply because they don’t know the history or the context.” - Ivan TijerinaWhat You’ll Learn:The fundamentals of affiliate marketing and how it really works behind the scenesCommon pitfalls and red flags when managing a new affiliate programWhy coupon sites may not be as valuable as they seemHow fraud can sneak into your affiliate program—and how to keep it cleanHow to vet and choose affiliate partners who actually bring valueKey Takeaways from This Episode:"You don’t just build it and they come"—affiliate marketing is not a passive channelFraud often enters a program when there's a change in leadership or unclear onboarding processesWorking with affiliate partners is as much about relationships and context as it is about numbersBeing too eager to scale without understanding historical context can do more harm than goodPeople and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Ivan Tijerina LinkedInSolomon Advertising WebsiteJenson USA WebsiteShareASaleImpactAmazon AssociatesConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

In Part 2 of this conversation, Becca dives deep with Mike Hogan on the challenges and opportunities of growing a niche outdoor brand in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From experimenting with a 100% locally sourced ski to rebuilding trust with retailers after a DTC misstep, Mike shares the real (and raw) stories behind the growth of Hagan Skis. Whether you sell gear, apparel, or products online, this episode is packed with insights on scaling, sustainability, and staying true to your brand’s roots.Quoteables:“At one point, we had skis in the basement, poles in my son’s room, and skins in my daughter’s. That’s how all-in we went.” —- Mike Hogan“Our best marketing tool is getting people on the skis. 50% of people who demo them buy them.” —- Mike Hogan“Just be present. I wouldn't say that you have to actually walk through the door, although that really helps.” —- Mike Hogan“There's a lot of ways to get your brand across to people and to get your value proposition. But don't be afraid to talk to someone and to just say, what are the challenges that you're facing and how can we help you with those? People are willing to tell you what you can do to help.” —- Mike Hogan What You’ll Learn:Hagan’s attempt to build a fully local, sustainable skiRebuilding retail relationships after shifting to DTCProduct development for niche sports like backcountry & ski-moCreating authentic brand content with athletes and ambassadorsBusiness strategies for balancing premium perception with scaleKey Takeaways from This EpisodeTransparency builds trust—especially when rebuilding relationshipsEco-efforts don’t always succeed on the first try, but they still matterA well-curated ambassador program tied to retailers can supercharge growthCreating community events like Uphill Fridays boosts brand visibilityEducating your audience (even on basics) creates long-term loyaltyPeople and Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMike Hogan (Owner | HAGAN Ski Mountaineering USA) emailHagan Skis websiteHagan Skis instagramRagnar websiteNAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) websiteNCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) websiteISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation) websiteRoxa Ski Boots websiteATK Bindings websiteKohla websiteSkimo Co websiteOutdoorly websiteRide Workshop websiteProtect Our Winters websiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

What happens when a lifelong skier buys the ski brand he’s obsessed with? In this episode, Becca sits down with Mike Hogan, the CEO of Hagan Skis North America, to talk about how his love for the sport led to one of the boldest career pivots you’ll ever hear. From storing skis in his kids’ bedrooms to building partnerships with shops across the country, Mike shares the gritty, unconventional path of growing a niche brand in a legacy industry. This one’s full of insight, laughs, and pure passion—whether you're a skier, business owner, or just someone chasing a dream.Quotables:“I didn’t buy Hagan in 2020 during the COVID boom—I bought it after the pop. That was intentional.” — Mike Hogan“We started with nine shops carrying Hagan—now we’re at 22 and climbing.” — Mike Hogan“If you want to build a brand in this space, you have to show up. Sometimes it’s as simple as walking into the shop with your dog and your skis.”  — Mike HoganWhat You’ll Learn:How Mike Hogan discovered and purchased Hagan Skis North AmericaBuilding a brand in a niche industry after the pandemic boomThe importance of retail partnerships vs. direct-to-consumerTransitioning from a career in sales to the CEO seatPassion, grit, and the business of outdoor sportsKey Takeaways from This EpisodeSometimes the best time to buy is after the boom—not during itGetting into retail requires effort, relationships, and showing up in personYour personal passion can absolutely be the foundation of a thriving businessDon’t underestimate the power of demoing physical productsGrowth is possible even in legacy industries—if you modernize the modelPeople and Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMike Hogan (Owner | HAGAN Ski Mountaineering USA) emailHagan Skis websiteHagan Skis instagramRagnar websiteNAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) websiteNCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) websiteISMF (International Ski Mountaineering Federation) websiteRoxa Ski Boots websiteATK Bindings websiteKohla websiteSkimo Co websiteOutdoorly websiteRide Workshop websiteProtect Our Winters websiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

What happens when an entrepreneur with a passion for design takes on two wildly different industries? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Binoculars and co-founder of Boombotix, shares his rollercoaster journey from creating the first wearable Bluetooth speakers to launching a brand that’s now sold in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris breaks down his biggest lessons in cash flow management, scaling product-based businesses, and the power of brand positioning. Whether you’re a startup founder, product designer, or business owner, this episode is packed with real, hard-earned insights on what it takes to grow, pivot, and succeed.Quoteables:"No matter how hard you’re killing it, you need to be monitoring cash flow at every stage of business." - Chris McKleroy"We didn’t chase REI—REI came to us. Because we stood for something." – Chris McKleroy"Your product should create more value than it consumes. Otherwise, why make it?" – Chris McKleroy"A business can scale fast, but if cash flow isn’t locked in, it can crater just as quickly." – Chris McKleroyTopics Covered in This Episode:The rise and fall of Boombotix, and what led to its eventual saleThe biggest cash flow mistakes startups make—and how to avoid themThe Nocs Binoculars origin story—turning an idea into a successful brandHow REI discovered Nocs and made room for it on their shelvesThe importance of sustainability & brand values in modern product companiesHow building a strong financial model can make or break a startupKey Takeaways from This Episode:Cash Flow is King – No matter how great your product is, failing to manage cash flow can kill a business.Sustainability Matters – Brands that align with strong values and environmental responsibility stand out.Retail Partnerships Can Be a Game-Changer – Being in REI transformed Nocs trajectory and validated the brand.Software Can Help Scale Faster – Investing in the right ERP system (NetSuite) helped Nocs manage inventory and operations effectively.Community & Brand Loyalty Drive Growth – Building a loyal customer base before investing in ads leads to long-term success.People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Chris McKleroy InstagramNocs WebsiteBoombotix WebsiteREI WebsiteRumpl Website1% for the Planet WebsiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

How do you scale a niche product and turn it into an outdoor brand loved by customers and major retailers alike? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Provisions, joins host Rebecca Babicz to share the behind-the-scenes of growing his company from DTC (direct-to-consumer) success to landing in REI stores across the country. In this episode, Chris discusses wholesale strategies, e-commerce growth hacks, and how values-driven branding played a key role in Nocs' expansion. Whether you're building a physical product, exploring wholesale, or looking to refine your brand strategy, this conversation is packed with practical insights and hard-earned lessons.Quoteables:"No matter how hard you’re killing it, you need to be monitoring cash flow at every stage of business." – Chris McKleroy "We didn’t chase REI—REI came to us. Because we stood for something." – Chris McKleroy "Your product should create more value than it consumes. Otherwise, why make it?" – Chris Chris McKleroy "A business can scale fast, but if cash flow isn’t locked in, it can crater just as quickly." – Chris McKleroyWhat You'll Learn:The wholesale strategy that helped Nocs land in REIWhy sales reps are crucial for retail success & how to find the right onesThe challenges of balancing DTC, Amazon, and wholesale as a scaling brandHow values-driven branding has been a growth driver for NocsThe role of social media and digital ads in supporting retail salesExpanding into international markets and new product categoriesKey Takeaways from This Episode:Sales reps make the difference in wholesale – Building relationships in retail takes trust, and a good sales rep has it.Brand values drive retailer interest – Companies that stand for something meaningful attract strong retail partners.Wholesale is a different beast from DTC – Inventory forecasting, logistics, and order management require a dedicated strategy.Retail partnerships require ongoing stewardship – Getting into REI is just the beginning; maintaining that relationship is key.Scaling requires layered growth – Success comes from carefully adding new revenue streams, not just chasing every opportunity.People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Chris McKleroy InstagramNocs WebsiteBoombotix WebsiteREI WebsiteRumpl Website1% for the Planet WebsiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

What’s the secret to building a brand that customers obsess over? In Part 2 of this conversation with Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, we dive into the behind-the-scenes of scaling a product-based business, the challenges and rewards of manufacturing in the USA, and how grassroots marketing and community events fueled Outer Shell’s success. Jim shares how their Coffee Outside meetups became an organic marketing powerhouse, why product design obsession pays off, and how building strong partnerships makes all the difference. If you’re an entrepreneur looking to build brand loyalty, scale efficiently, and create meaningful customer connections, this episode is packed with insights.Quoteables:"We’re not chasing hyper-growth. We’re focused on making the best product possible and keeping our customers for life." – Jim Santos"The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing. It’s just building community around something people love." – Jim Santos"Freedom is priceless. The ability to control your time and build something meaningful is worth more than any salary." – Jim Santos What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The pros and cons of manufacturing in the USA vs. overseas productionHow efficient production and lean operations help keep Outer Shell’s pricing competitiveThe power of community-driven marketing and why the Coffee Outside meetups became a game-changerThe impact of organic brand growth through influential connections and industry credibilityThe challenges of burnout in entrepreneurship and how Jim and Kyle navigate creative differences Key Takeaways from This EpisodeManufacturing in the USA is a strategic choice – While it has higher costs, it allows for rapid innovation, better quality control, and strong company culture.Community is the best marketing – Outer Shell’s Coffee Outside meetups built a loyal customer base without traditional advertising.Terry B & The Radavist Website💡 Sustainability in business isn’t just about money – Thoughtful design, lean operations, and customer satisfaction matter more than chasing high margins.The best products come from passion and iteration – Listening to customer feedback and obsessing over details makes a brand stand out.Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint – Burnout is real, but finding balance, partnerships, and freedom makes the journey worthwhile People and Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeJim Santos InstagramOuter Shell InstagramOuter Shell WebsiteMafia Bags WebsiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital InstagramLove the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

What happens when a passion for biking and a DIY mindset turn into a full-scale business? In this episode, Jim Santos, co-owner of Outer Shell, shares his unconventional journey from corporate tech to manufacturing bikepacking gear in San Francisco. Host Rebecca Babicz dives into the challenges and rewards of growing a niche brand, including how Jim and his business partner, Kyle, built Outer Shell from the ground up. From early product experimentation to leveraging community marketing, this episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs navigating the intersection of creativity, business, and scaling a brand.Quoteables:"We started making bike bags for ourselves and friends. The business part came later." – Jim Santos"Instagram and word-of-mouth were huge for us in the early days—our community built our brand." – Jim Santos"YouTube exists. You can learn anything. That’s how I got started." – Jim SantosWhat You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Outer Shell started as a side project before becoming a full-time businessJim’s transition from corporate tech to running a hands-on product-based businessThe role of social media, community marketing, and word-of-mouth in their growthThe challenges of making products in the USA vs. overseas manufacturingThe importance of passion and creativity in building a business from the ground upKey Takeaways from This EpisodePassion Can Lead to Profit – Sometimes, hobbies turn into thriving businesses when done right.Community Marketing is Powerful – Engaging with real customers, especially in niche industries, can drive organic brand growth.Manufacturing in the USA Has Trade-offs – Higher costs, but greater quality control and agility in production.Scaling a Business Takes Strategy – Finding the right partners and focusing on strengths can drive long-term success.People and Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeJim Santos InstagramOuter Shell InstagramOuter Shell WebsiteMafia Bags WebsiteConnect with Becca:Après Business Podcast EmailFall Line Digital WebsiteFall Line Digital Instagram Love the episode? Subscribe & leave a review to help other business owners find the show!

Ready for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to build and grow a business? In this debut episode of The Après Business Podcast, host Rebecca Babicz, founder of Fall Line Digital, introduces the show’s mission: to uncover the raw, behind-the-scenes truths of entrepreneurship. From marketing wins (and fails) to the lessons only learned in hindsight, Rebecca promises unscripted, real-world conversations with entrepreneurs, growth experts, and marketers who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're scaling your business, navigating tough pivots, or just looking for inspiration, this is the space for candid stories and actionable insights. Buckle up—this is business talk, Après-style. Get in touch! Fall Line DigitalHave a topic or guest suggestion? Drop it in the comments!Don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes and follow us for more business growth content.Listen in and let’s grow, reflect, and build something remarkable—together.