In this episode, host Greg Shuey interviews Dan Barnes, one of the founders of PhoneSoap, a company that creates UV light sanitizers for phones and was featured on "Shark Tank." Dan shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his early days of working odd jobs to co-founding PhoneSoap and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. He details the initial challenges and breakthroughs of starting PhoneSoap, including their significant exposure from "Shark Tank" which led to deals with major retailers and expanded their business significantly.
During the podcast, Dan discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PhoneSoap, describing it as a period of unprecedented growth due to the heightened public awareness about hygiene and the effectiveness of UV light in sanitizing surfaces. This period allowed PhoneSoap to expand their product line and reach, but also presented challenges such as managing supply chain disruptions and adapting to a rapidly changing market environment. Dan emphasizes the importance of agility in business, particularly how PhoneSoap capitalized on the pandemic-driven demand despite logistical hurdles.
Post-pandemic, Dan outlines the adjustments PhoneSoap had to make as the urgency around sanitization waned and competition increased. He talks about the strategic shifts in marketing and product development aimed at sustaining growth and relevance in a normalizing market. This includes broadening their product appeal beyond just sanitization, towards promoting a healthier lifestyle overall. Dan's insights highlight the necessity for businesses to stay flexible and customer-focused, regardless of external conditions, to maintain growth and relevance.
Links
- Greg Shuey LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-shuey/
- Dan Barnes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhb/
- Phone Soap: https://www.phonesoap.com/
- Shark Tank Episode: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2v00o1
https://www.stryde.com/adapting-to-market-shifts-to-accelerate-your-d2c-growth/
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