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.

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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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