If starting a lifestyle brand has always been a dream of yours, this episode with Eric Bandholz, founder of Beardbrand, is a real treat. He shares how maintaining full control through bootstrapping allowed him to prioritize ethical sourcing and customer relationships over rapid growth. His story is a real inspiration for anyone who wants to create a business that not only succeeds financially but also supports their quality of life while staying true to their personal values.

About Eric Bandholz

Eric Bandholz started Beardbrand in 2012 with a simple goal: to make men feel awesome. From its beginnings as an online community, Beardbrand has grown into a major brand in the $3.2 billion beard care market, now offering a broad range of grooming products and even a brick-and-mortar barbershop in Austin. Eric attributes his success to staying true to his core values, especially freedom, which is grounded in stoic principles of focusing on what you can control.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Eric left the corporate world behind to create a community-centric brand. Operating as a bootstrap venture, Eric has steered Beardbrand, focusing on sustainable growth and independence, avoiding external investments. He advocates for the lifestyle business model, encouraging a balance between personal well-being and professional success.

Key Insights:

• Incorporate your core values into your business strategy. Core values are much more than psychology mumbo-jumbo; they shape every decision you make in your business. They help to reflect what your company stands for and attract customers who share these beliefs.
• Enjoy your entrepreneurial journey. Even though everyday tasks might often feel like a drag, finding meaning in them can help to maintain motivation and prevent burnout. And remember that there’s always something to celebrate, no matter how small.
• Leverage bootstrapping for greater control. Using your own money to fund your business can keep you in control and help you make quick decisions that are right for your business without external pressure.
• Focus on sustainable business growth. Choose growth strategies that fit your goals and business vision. Opting for steady, predictable growth is better than chasing overnight success, as it helps to maintain product quality, protects your reputation, and ensures your business grows in a manageable way.
• Build and engage your community. Hosting events, starting discussions on social media, creating loyalty programs, featuring spotlight customers, offering behind-the-scenes content… These are just a few ways you can turn your buyers into brand advocates and build a community that supports your growth.

Eric’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Get Eric’s “Book of Reminders”

Connect with Eric Bandholz:

• Linkedin
• Instagram
• X
• Beardbrand

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• Website

As your business grows, what worked before won't always work anymore. This is where business adaptability becomes crucial. Entrepreneurs need to be ready to change and update their strategies and processes, ensuring they can keep pace with their business's growth. Having been through growing and selling his own company, Feras Alhlou knows firsthand the importance of adapting and evolving to meet the changing business environment. Today, he joins us to talk about the power of resilience, the art of delegation, and the strategic use of technology to streamline operations.

About Feras Alhlou

Feras Alhlou is a seasoned entrepreneur with a golden touch for growing businesses from the ground up. He's taken companies from zero revenue to impressive 7 and 8 figures, showcasing his skills in Silicon Valley and beyond. In 2019 he sold his previous company, e-Nor, his digital marketing consultancy, to dentsu, a leading global media company.

Now he uses his passion for sharing his knowledge in his current project, Start Up With Feras, guiding new entrepreneurs to make good, informed decisions about business. Besides his business acumen, Feras has a lifelong commitment to nonprofit organizations. Fun fact, he also holds a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido!

Key Insights:

• Embrace change. As your business grows, what used to work might not cut it anymore. Learn to stay flexible and change your game plan as you go, which ensures that you're always moving forward, not just treading water. (04:41)
• Delegate to elevate. Trying to do everything yourself can hold your business back. By handing off tasks to others, you free up your time to focus on big-picture strategies and growth and your business can grow more smoothly and faster. (09:23)
• Implement goal-oriented frameworks. Frameworks like OKRs help everyone on your team pull in the same direction toward shared goals. This organized approach makes your team more efficient and effective, leading to faster progress and better results. (11:38)
• Cultivate an open and honest work environment. Building a business where everyone feels free to share their thoughts and ideas creates a strong, united team. This leads to better decision-making, happier employees, and a more adaptable company. (15:47)
• Stay ahead with technology and trends. Staying updated on what’s happening in your (and other industries) allows you to spot and seize opportunities that others might miss. (22:52)

Feras’s best advice for entrepreneurs:

Get a free 30-minute session with Feras

Connect with Feras Alhlou:

• Linkedin
• YouTube
• Instagram
• X
• Start Up With Feras

Resources Mentioned:

• Good to Great by Jim Collins
• Measure What Matters by John Doerr and Larry Page

Follow Beyond 8 Figures:

• Linkedin
• X
• Website

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links in this episode are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, we only promote products/services we believe will benefit your entrepreneurial journey.