What happens when an entrepreneur with a passion for design takes on two wildly different industries? Chris McKleroy, founder of Nocs Provisions, shares his rollercoaster journey from working on the first wearable Bluetooth speaker company, Boombotix, 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.

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Quotables:

• "We got on REI’s radar—not because we chased them, but because they believed in our brand and values." – Chris McKleroy

• "We’re not here to convince you to care about nature—we’re here to help people connect with it." – Chris McKleroy

• "Supporting birding groups like the BIPOC Bird Club and Feminist Bird Club—that’s what I’m most proud of." – Chris McKleroy

• "We built this brand to be mindful—from the packaging to the mission. It’s not just about making more stuff." – Chris McKleroy

What You’ll Learn:

• The wholesale strategy that helped Nocs land in REI
• Why sales reps are crucial for retail success & how to find the right ones
• The challenges of balancing DTC, Amazon, and wholesale as a scaling brand
• How values-driven branding has been a growth driver for Nocs
• The role of social media and digital ads in supporting retail sales
• Expanding into international markets and new product categories

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Sales reps make the difference in wholesale – Building relationships in retail takes trust, and a good sales rep has it.
• Brand values drive retailer interest – Companies that stand for something meaningful attract strong retail partners.
• Wholesale is a different beast from DTC – Inventory forecasting, logistics, and order management require a dedicated strategy.
• Retail partnerships require ongoing stewardship – Getting into REI is just the beginning; maintaining that relationship is key.

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 Instagram

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