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Rob Bourbeau on Engineering, Entrepreneurship & Building a Manufacturing Startup | Making Your Mark
Leaving engineering, launching a manufacturing startup, and building a purpose‑driven brand during a global pandemic are at the heart of Rob Bourbeau’s story. As co‑founder of Do+Dare Undies Co., Rob has navigated one of the toughest entrepreneurial paths: manufacturing in North America. His journey blends risk‑taking, resilience, and a commitment to building something that matters.
Rob shares the highs and lows of launching a product‑based business, the realities of manufacturing in Canada, and what he learned from pitching on CBC’s Dragon’s Den. He breaks down how to pivot when things don’t go as planned, how to move past sunk costs, and why entrepreneurship should serve a purpose beyond profit. Whether you're an aspiring founder or curious about the realities of building a physical product, his story offers honesty, insight, and inspiration.
He opens up about:
• Leaving engineering to start a bold new venture
• Launching a manufacturing startup during COVID‑19
• The challenges of producing locally
• How to pivot and move past sunk costs
• Lessons from Dragon’s Den and purpose‑driven entrepreneurship
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rob Bourbeau & His Entrepreneurial Journey
02:11 Leaving Engineering for… Underwear?
06:01 Launching Do+Dare Undies Co. at the Start of COVID‑19
10:21 The Challenges of Starting a Manufacturing Business in Canada
14:28 Knowing When to Pivot in Your Business
17:11 Understanding Your Strengths & Weaknesses as an Entrepreneur
19:51 The Manufacturing Dilemma: To Produce Locally or Not?
24:14 How to Move Forward from Sunk Costs in Business
28:41 Rob’s Dragon’s Den Experience: What Made It to TV & What Didn’t
33:34 Passion Over Profit: The Heart of Entrepreneurship
35:50 Be Bold. Take Risks. Stay True to Yourself.
37:10 How to Connect with Rob
37:52 Rob’s Legacy: Taking on Challenges & Doing Right by the World
39:22 Closing & Call to Action
Discovery Optimization
This episode explores engineering‑to‑entrepreneurship transitions, Canadian manufacturing, product‑based startups, and purpose‑driven leadership. Ideal for aspiring founders, product builders, and anyone curious about the realities of launching a physical brand.
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By Mark BundangLeaving engineering, launching a manufacturing startup, and building a purpose‑driven brand during a global pandemic are at the heart of Rob Bourbeau’s story. As co‑founder of Do+Dare Undies Co., Rob has navigated one of the toughest entrepreneurial paths: manufacturing in North America. His journey blends risk‑taking, resilience, and a commitment to building something that matters.
Rob shares the highs and lows of launching a product‑based business, the realities of manufacturing in Canada, and what he learned from pitching on CBC’s Dragon’s Den. He breaks down how to pivot when things don’t go as planned, how to move past sunk costs, and why entrepreneurship should serve a purpose beyond profit. Whether you're an aspiring founder or curious about the realities of building a physical product, his story offers honesty, insight, and inspiration.
He opens up about:
• Leaving engineering to start a bold new venture
• Launching a manufacturing startup during COVID‑19
• The challenges of producing locally
• How to pivot and move past sunk costs
• Lessons from Dragon’s Den and purpose‑driven entrepreneurship
Episode Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rob Bourbeau & His Entrepreneurial Journey
02:11 Leaving Engineering for… Underwear?
06:01 Launching Do+Dare Undies Co. at the Start of COVID‑19
10:21 The Challenges of Starting a Manufacturing Business in Canada
14:28 Knowing When to Pivot in Your Business
17:11 Understanding Your Strengths & Weaknesses as an Entrepreneur
19:51 The Manufacturing Dilemma: To Produce Locally or Not?
24:14 How to Move Forward from Sunk Costs in Business
28:41 Rob’s Dragon’s Den Experience: What Made It to TV & What Didn’t
33:34 Passion Over Profit: The Heart of Entrepreneurship
35:50 Be Bold. Take Risks. Stay True to Yourself.
37:10 How to Connect with Rob
37:52 Rob’s Legacy: Taking on Challenges & Doing Right by the World
39:22 Closing & Call to Action
Discovery Optimization
This episode explores engineering‑to‑entrepreneurship transitions, Canadian manufacturing, product‑based startups, and purpose‑driven leadership. Ideal for aspiring founders, product builders, and anyone curious about the realities of launching a physical brand.