In this episode of The MakerFlo Making with Purpose Podcast, the founders share how they built a business centred around people, not just profits. From free lunches and paid breaks to providing mental health support and a life coach for the team, they break down how “Be Good, Do Good, Spread Good” became more than a motto; it became the heart of MakerFlo.Stay till the end for a special bonus segment featuring real stories and experiences from MakerFlo’s own team members.

We just spent two weeks in China filming inside our factories, and we're showing you everything. This episode takes you through the real manufacturing process - from our tumbler factory that uses 12-15 machines and tests every unit at 1000°F, to why the "Made in China = cheap" myth exists (American buyers demanded the cheapest products for decades). We share our $40,000 mistake with watch boxes, explain our "pride bigger than price" philosophy, and get brutally honest about trying to source Made in USA products. After 8 months of searching for cutting board manufacturers, dealing with constant ghosting, and facing 5-6x higher costs with no infrastructure support, we're proposing solutions while maintaining the same quality standards regardless of country.

It started with a plan… and quickly went sideways.

Maybe you’ve been there—things looking perfect on paper, only for reality to crash the party. In this episode, we take you through the moments that made us panic, laugh, and question our life choices. From projects that blew up in our faces to unexpected wins that changed the game, we’re sharing the raw, unfiltered journey from chaos to clarity.

You’ll hear the stories behind the mistakes, the lessons we wished we’d learned sooner, and the surprising victories that reminded us why we keep going. It’s about more than just failing—it’s about learning fast, adapting, and finding the small wins that turn a rough day into progress. We’re spilling it all: the missteps that stung, the wins that felt impossible, and the mindset that kept us moving forward.

Whether you’re chasing a dream, tackling a project, or just trying not to crash and burn, this episode is full of laughs, insights, and takeaways you can actually use. By the end, you might just see your own challenges differently—and maybe even start celebrating your own mini victories along the way. Epic fails, hard lessons, and the big wins that follow—this is our story, and it might just be yours too

If you’re a maker, creator, or small business owner, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: Where should I sell my products?! Do you set up shop on Etsy and tap into their huge handmade-loving audience? Do you build your own branded storefront on Shopify for maximum control? Or do you throw your hat in the ring with Amazon to chase massive reach (but also massive competition)?

In this episode of Making with Purpose, we break it all down so you don’t have to waste time (or money) figuring it out the hard way. We go platform by platform, digging into the real pros and cons that most people won’t tell you:

• Etsy → Amazing for exposure and handmade credibility, but can you stand out in a sea of sellers and rising fees?

• Shopify → Total control and branding power, but do you have the traffic plan to back it up?

• Amazon → The biggest marketplace on the planet, but are you ready to fight copycats and razor-thin margins?

We’ll also talk about the hidden traps that new sellers fall into, what kind of products thrive on each platform, and when it makes sense to move from one to another as your business grows. Plus, we share real-world strategies to help you build not just a storefront, but a sustainable brand that connects with your audience.

This episode isn’t about hype—it’s about clarity. By the end, you’ll know which platform (or mix of platforms) is the smartest starting point for your unique goals, and how to approach e-commerce with confidence instead of confusion.

Because making with purpose isn’t just about what you create—it’s about how you share it with the world.

Join Marc Pendergraft and John Modi in the first episode of "Making with Purpose" as we explore the journey of MakerFlo.

We discuss challenges in product sourcing and quality control, emphasizing the importance of unique, high-quality offerings and a strong brand identity.

Gain insights on connecting with audiences and fostering industry growth, with actionable advice for entrepreneurs!