Advice Line with Scott Tannen of Boll & Branch and Jamie Siminoff of Ring
CEO and co-founder of Boll & Branch, Scott Tannen joins Ring founder Jamie Siminoff and Guy on the Advice Line to answer questions from three early-stage entrepreneurs. Plus, Jamie and Guy talk about how creating repeat customers often comes from creating social good.
First, we hear from Melita in Toronto who's wondering whether to continue bootstrapping her organic clothing business. Then Eric in the Sunshine State asks which direction to take to grow his sunscreen apparel lines. And Chris in Alpine Meadows, California, is trying to figure out how to get his sleek binoculars into the hands of more people.
Thank you to the founders of Q for Quinn, L Cubed Lifestyle, and Nocs Provisions.
If you’d like to be featured on a future Advice Line episode, leave us a one-minute message that tells us about your business and a specific question you’d like answered. Send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com or call 1-800-433-1298.
And be sure to listen to the story of how Jamie founded Ring from our episode back in 2020, as well as his appearance on the Advice Line in 2024.. And how Scott and his wife Missy started Boll & Branch, a story they told on the show in 2024.
This episode was produced by J.C. Howard with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Andrea Bruce. Our audio engineer was Jimmy Keeley.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram and sign up for Guy's free newsletter at guyraz.com and on Substack.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Boll & Branch: Scott and Missy Tannen
Scott and Missy Tannen knew nothing about bed linens when they dreamed up the idea of launching a bedding company, but that didn’t stop them from setting ambitious goals: super soft sheets, 100% organic cotton, and a supply chain that was traceable from end to end. Thanks to an article in the Wall Street Journal and a $2 million advertising bet on The Howard Stern Show, Boll & Branch grew rapidly, but also faced crippling cash crunches, forcing the Tannens to scramble for loans and borrow against their own home. Today, Boll & Branch is one of the most popular luxury linen brands in the U.S., with over $200 million in revenue.
This episode was researched and produced by Katherine Sypher, with music by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant. Our audio engineers were Robert Rodriguez and Gilly Moon.
You can follow HIBT on Twitter & Instagram, and email us at hibt@id.wondery.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Transforming DTC via supply chain innovations with Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen | E1809
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to http://squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Plunge. Go to https://plunge.com and use code twist150 for $150 off your cold plunge tub.
NetSuite, by Oracle. The business management software that handles every aspect of your business in an easy-to-use cloud platform. Schedule a FREE product tour and receive your FREE guide: “Seven Actions Businesses Need to Take Now” at NetSuite.com/TWIST.
*
Today’s show:
Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen joins Jason to discuss taking control of the supply chain (11:40), building a trusted brand through transparency (18:12), the importance of boots-on-the-ground methodology (28:02), and much more!
*
Time stamps:
(0:00) Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen joins Jason
(3:12) Boll & Branch’s position in the market
(4:53) The origin story, insights gained about supply chains, and increasing product quality
(10:17) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(11:40) Going deep into the supply chain dynamics and Boll & Branch’s key innovation
(16:05) The benefits of organic cotton and creating a cost of goods advantage
(18:12) How traceability sets Boll & Branch apart as a textile brand
(24:40) Plunge - Go to https://plunge.com and use code twist150 for $150 off
(26:11) Hotels and the hospitality business
(28:02) The importance of Fairtrade certification and the boots-on-the-ground methodology
(38:33) NetSuite - Download your free KPI Checklist at http://netsuite.com/twist
(40:04) Human rights, inclusion, and global wages
(45:10) The impact of inflation post-covid and the changes in consumer behavior
(46:48) The cost of marketing and the channels that work
*
Check out Boll & Branch: https://www.bollandbranch.com/
FOLLOW Scott: https://twitter.com/scotttannen
*
Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four
Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast