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 McKleroy

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The rise and fall of Boombotix, and what led to its eventual sale
• The biggest cash flow mistakes startups make—and how to avoid them
• The Nocs Binoculars origin story—turning an idea into a successful brand
• How REI discovered Nocs and made room for it on their shelves
• The importance of sustainability & brand values in modern product companies
• How building a strong financial model can make or break a startup

Key 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 Instagram

• Nocs Website

• Boombotix Website

• REI Website

• Rumpl Website

• 1% for the Planet Website

Connect with Becca:

• Après Business Podcast Email

• Fall Line Digital Website

• Fall Line Digital Instagram

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