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Hosted by mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
2 episodes with mike beckham
In this episode of Whole Hearted Leadership, Lantz Howard sits down with Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern to discuss the power of generosity in leadership and business. Mike shares his journey of building a purpose-driven company, how intentional relationships impact leadership, and the surprising connection between personal values and business success. Tune in to hear insights on leading with heart, balancing family and leadership, and why small, consistent actions create lasting impact."We exist to give generously. Since starting in 2016, we have given away over $10M to more than 1,000 non-profits. As a leading drinkware and consumer goods company, Simple Modern gives at least 10% of annual profits to communities around the world, equaling millions in donations since the company's founding in 2015."Key Topics:The role of generosity in leadershipLessons from building a purpose-driven companyThe intersection of business and personal valuesLeadership through intentional relationshipsHow to balance family and professional success--Lantz Howard helps high-level executives and faith-driven leaders strengthen their hearts, marriages, and businesses through Lead Wholeheartedly coaching. If you're ready to break free from burnout, realign your purpose, and build a thriving life from the inside out, connect with Lantz for a personalized coaching experience.www.lantzhoward.comwww.leadwholeheartedly.com
What inspired the founding of Simple Modern in Oklahoma, and how has the company evolved since its establishment in 2015? Could you share some insights into the unique styles and designs that set Simple Modern products apart in the market?In what ways do you believe e-commerce can continue to evolve and innovate to better serve customers and communities in the future? Can you tell us more about Simple Modern's commitment to giving back to communities worldwide through its profits?What role does innovation play in the ongoing success and growth of Simple Modern as a leading brand in the drinkware and consumer goods industry? Can you discuss any upcoming initiatives or projects that Simple Modern has planned to further its impact on communities or expand its product line?
We just hit our 25th episode! To celebrate, we're doing a special recap of the best lessons from all our past conversations. Sam's looking back at the standout advice from founders, entrepreneurs, and experts who opened up about what really happens when you hit major financial success—and the stuff no one talks about. You'll hear insights from Mike Beckham on why giving back keeps lifestyle inflation in check, Dr. Becky's take on raising resilient kids in a world of privilege, and advice from founders who've faced the mental rollercoaster that comes after big exits. We also dig into what it means to live a low-key, fulfilling life, even if you're worth millions. This is Moneywise, a podcast where hosts Sam Parr and Harry Morton are joined by high-net-worth guests to explore exclusive insights into personal finance and lifestyle tailored for other high-net-worth people, or those on their way. They'll get radically transparent about the numbers, revealing things like their burn rates, portfolios, and spending habits. Who is Sam Parr? Sam is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of The Hustle, which he sold to HubSpot in 2021. He's also the co-host of one of the world's top podcasts for entrepreneurs, My First Million. Known for his insightful business acumen and candid communication style, Sam Parr continues to be a prominent figure in the world of media and entrepreneurship. Sam's newest and biggest venture yet is Hampton, which he co-founded in 2022. Who is Harry Morton? Harry Morton is the CEO of Lower Street, a company specializing in premium podcast production that he founded to transform brand narratives through audio storytelling. His expertise has made Lower Street a leader in the podcast industry, working with diverse clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies to enhance their market presence and audience engagement. This podcast was made for the Hampton community, a private, highly-vetted, peer membership community for founders and CEOs of fast-growing, tech-enabled startups. Chapters: Lesson 1: Finding Purpose After Early Retirement (01:47) Lesson 2: Raising Resilient Children in Wealthy Environments (04:28) Lesson 3: The Impact of Giving (06:55) Lesson 4: Stress and Growth vs. Peace and Letting Go (09:22) Lesson 5: Jennifer's Story: Financial Red Flags in Relationships (13:57) Lesson 6: Financial Stress: A Wild Story of Loss and Resilience (16:32) Lesson 7: Beware of Burnout: Lessons from Ryan and Pete (18:46) Lesson 8: Small Town Success: Travis's Story (21:25) Lesson 9: Knowing When to Walk Away: Laura and Jeff's Insights (24:14) Sam's Personal Top Takeaways (27:45) This podcast was produced in partnership with Lower Street and distributed by Morning Brew.
Join us as we sit down with Mike Beckham, the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a company that has gone from challenger to incumbent in the drinkware industry with a unique blend of style, quality, and philanthropy. Mike shares his journey from the nonprofit world to building a $250M+ profitable business, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven entrepreneurship. Discover how Simple Modern's commitment to giving away 10% of their profits has not only shaped their company culture but also fueled their remarkable success. This episode is packed with insights on scaling, maintaining a strong organizational ethos, and the real meaning behind business excellence. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation that goes beyond business to explore deeper questions of purpose and impact.Chapters:00:00:00 - Scaling and Overstimulation 00:00:25 - Welcome to Eating Glass 00:02:45 - Introduction to Mike Beckham 00:03:45 - Nonprofit World Insights 00:05:45 - Business with Dual Purposes 00:07:45 - Impact of Previous Experiences 00:09:00 - Quality of Life Insights 00:11:00 - Money and Contentment 00:12:00 - Responsibility and Trade-offs 00:13:45 - Rapid Company Growth 00:16:00 - Working with Family 00:17:45 - Business Partnerships 00:19:00 - Product Longevity Surprises 00:21:15 - Breaking Growth Barriers 00:22:30 - Sales Channels Expansion 00:23:00 - Drinkware Market Fragmentation 00:24:45 - Fashion and Trends 00:25:45 - Domestic Manufacturing 00:26:15 - Oreo Principle 00:27:45 - Challenges of Growth 00:29:45 - Entrepreneurship Motivations 00:31:00 - Market Opportunities 00:33:45 - Customer Satisfaction 00:34:45 - Amazon Strategy 00:36:15 - Product Excellence 00:38:00 - Digital Tools Advantage 00:40:00 - Brand Evolution 00:42:00 - Pricing Strategy 00:43:00 - Operational Excellence 00:45:15 - Competitive Advantages 00:47:00 - Challenger Brand Strategies 00:49:00 - Value and Quality 00:51:00 - Growth and Inventory 00:53:00 - Product Trends 00:55:00 - Licensing and Customization 00:57:15 - Focus vs. Variety 00:58:45 - Scaling and Distribution 01:00:15 - Strategic Insights 01:02:15 - Direct Response Marketing 01:04:00 - Business Model and Philanthropy 01:07:00 - Motivating the Team 01:10:00 - Building Organizational Values 01:12:45 - Financial Discipline 01:15:00 - Banking Relationships 01:18:00 - Forecasting and Growth 01:20:00 - Collateral and Credit 01:22:45 - Rapid Fire Questions 01:24:15 - Entrepreneurial Truths 01:25:45 - Startup Myths 01:27:15 - Personal Value Proposition 01:28:45 - Biggest Mistakes 01:30:00 - Personal Life Impact 01:32:45 - Long-Term Impact 01:35:00 - External Validation 01:36:15 - Hiring Strategy 01:37:30 - Cultural and Character Moats 01:39:00 - Wrapping UpABOUT THE HOSTS:Will Nitze is the Founder & CEO at IQBAR - America's leading "brain + body" nutrition startup. With minimal funding, Will has taken IQBAR from zero locations and zero in revenue in 2018 to 10,000+ doors and a projected $50 million in sales in 2024.Joe Lemay founded Rocketbook with business partner Jake Epstein. After being featured on “Shark Tank”, where the sharks passed on a chance to invest – Joe would go on to grow Rocketbook and sell it to BIC for 40 million dollars just three years later.Connect with Mike:Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.com/X: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsmInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebeckham/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/
Mike Beckham's story begins in the nonprofit sector, where he developed a deep understanding of mission-driven work. Transitioning to the business world, he founded Simple Modern in 2015, a company now known for its premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Beckham emphasizes that at the core of entrepreneurship lies a desire to solve problems and bring new ideas to life. He believes that entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals get paid to solve problems and create something valuable. A key takeaway from Beckham's journey is the significance of a growth mindset. He shares that successful entrepreneurs are experimenters who love learning and decoding what people want. This mindset, combined with the ability to understand where to apply new knowledge, is crucial for entrepreneurial success. Beckham stresses the importance of having a clear mission and purpose from the outset. Simple Modern's commitment to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations, is a testament to this principle. He believes that building a company without knowing its mission and purpose is like trying to drive a car without knowing where you're going. Mike Beckham's story is a powerful example of how a clear mission, a growth mindset, and a commitment to values can drive entrepreneurial success. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a difference through entrepreneurship. Tune in to the Better Learning Podcast to hear more about his inspiring journey and insights. Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is driven by a belief in a vision and a desire to solve problems. Having a growth mindset and a love for learning are key traits of successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a form of creativity, where individuals create something new and bring it to the world. A company can prioritize both values and purpose, creating a unique culture and giving back to the community. Entrepreneurs often combine different skills and experiences to find innovative solutions. Start with a clear mission and purpose in entrepreneurship Embrace a growth mindset and be willing to learn and grow Build relationships and have a clear vision before starting a business Transform and adapt your business model when faced with challenges Create a culture of generosity and giving in organizations Regan has worked on numerous public and private K-12 learning spaces throughout the greater New England area, including Eliot Innovation School, Gibbs School, and Leicester Middle School. She is passionate about design for education and creating spaces that are welcoming, safe, and inspiring. She is also an advocate and thought leader in restoring and preserving our historic buildings, including adapting them for new, contemporary uses. Sound Bites to Ponder: "Entrepreneurs are first and foremost, they're kind of experimenters that love learning and love kind of decoding what's going on and what people want and how to serve people." "Entrepreneurship is getting paid to solve problems." "It usually starts with survival first and then we find our way." "Having the desire to learn and the willingness to grow plus the judgment of understanding where to apply that, that's what gets you where you want to be." "Building a company when you don't know the mission and the purpose is like building a car while you're trying to drive it without knowing where you're trying to drive." Follow on Mike Beckham on Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ Twitter: https://x.com/mikebeckhamsm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikebeckham/ Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.com/ Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Find out more about Kevin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinstoller/. For more episodes of the Better Learning Podcast, visit https://www.betterlearningpodcast.com/ Episode 186 of the Better Learning Podcast Kevin Stoller is the host of the Better Learning Podcast and Co-Founder of Kay-Twelve, a national leader for educational furniture. Learn more about creating better learning environments at www.Kay-Twelve.com. For more information on our partners: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/ Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/ Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/ EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/ Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website!
Historias de Éxito Bootstrapeadas: Simple Modern, Starbucks y el Futuro de los Autos Eléctricos En el episodio de hoy, te presentamos dos historias de éxito inspiradoras y, lo mejor de todo, bootstrapeadas! Descubre cómo emprendedores visionarios transformaron sus ideas en negocios millonarios con mínima inversión en marketing y publicidad. Qué vas a descubrir? La historia de Simple Modern: Mike Beckham y cómo su negocio pasó de estar financiado por ahorros a generar $250 millones en ventas. Aprende las claves para despegar un negocio con mínima inversión. Insights sobre Starbucks: Cristóbal comparte cuatro lecciones cruciales sobre la historia de Starbucks y su decisión de levantar capital de riesgo (VC). Descubre por qué es vital actualizar la visión empresarial. Acciones de empresas de autos eléctricos: Analizamos la reciente caída de las acciones de las principales empresas de autos eléctricos. ¿Qué está sucediendo en el mercado? Entérate en Indie vs Unicornio. Si eres emprendedor, inversor o simplemente estás interesado en aprender de historias de éxito y estrategias de crecimiento, este episodio es para ti. Insights prácticos y estrategias de negocio que puedes aplicar directamente a tu propia empresa. #HistoriasDeÉxito #Bootstrapping #SimpleModern #Starbucks #AutosEléctricos #EstrategiasDeNegocio #PodcastDeNegocios #Emprendimiento #MarketingMinimalista #Inversiones __ Momentos del episodio: 05:07 Historia de Simple Modern (Mike Beckham) 21:52 Insights de Starbucks 26:51 Caída de acciones de autos eléctricos __ Links del show: Entrevista a Mike Beckham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUTKyeaaEpU Join Honey: https://www.joinhoney.com/ Fisker: https://www.fiskerinc.com/ Starbuks - Acquired: https://overcast.fm/+_ztxGlzuM Reportes anuales: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/annualreport.asp Los scooters del aeropuerto de Miami: https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/25/miami-international-airport-autonomous-scooters __ Gracias Kulkan Security por su apoyo! Un ataque de Ransomware puede detener tu operación o hundirte el negocio. Estás ocupandote de la seguridad de tus servicios e infraestructura o postergando lo inevitable? Kulkan Security posee un equipo especializado en seguridad ofensiva, con servicios que permiten impersonar atacantes, testear la seguridad de tus servicios, aplicaciones e infraestructura, y asesorarte en cambios necesarios para proteger tu información y la de tus clientes; y así permitirte dormir mejor de noche. Contactalos en www.kulkan.com - Menciona INDIE al contactarlos para tener un 10% off en tu primer test. Si quisieran mencionar algo "gracioso" de relleno, tenemos unas meditaciones guiadas creadas para permitirle a IT Leaders/CISOs/CTOs dormir mejor de noche. __ Tenes alguna pregunta? Escribinos y seguinos en: Twitter: @CristobaPerdomo y @llopatin Linkedin: Lucas Lopatin y Cristobal Perdomo y Visitá: Indie Build Wollef --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/indie-vs-unicornio/message
In this episode of the Deciding to Win podcast, host Reginald Nsowah interviews Mike Beckham, the CEO of Simple Modern. They discuss Mike's background, his journey as an entrepreneur, and the importance of culture and vision in building a successful company. Mike shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, failure, leadership, and the impact of social media. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose, being a lifelong learner, and practicing generosity. Mike also provides advice for young professionals starting their careers and highlights the significance of working with the right people. Keywords entrepreneurship, culture, vision, failure, leadership, social media, purpose, learning, generosity, career Takeaways Entrepreneurship is about using experiments to test theories and learning from the results. Failure is a necessary ingredient for success and should be embraced as a learning opportunity. Leadership involves casting a clear vision and creating a culture that motivates and inspires others. Building a strong culture requires defining it early, communicating it effectively, and encouraging everyone to take ownership. In organizations with a negative culture, focus on creating a healthy subculture within your immediate team. Having a clear purpose, being a lifelong learner, and practicing generosity are key to personal and professional growth. Maximize learning and growth opportunities early in your career, and choose to work with people who align with your values. The internet provides endless opportunities for learning and connecting with others. Success in business and life comes from serving customers and providing value. Having a strong foundation, such as a solid marriage, can contribute to personal and professional success. The Power of Purpose, Learning, and Generosity Creating a Subculture of Positivity and Growth "Entrepreneurship is not specific to business. We do entrepreneurial activities in all aspects of our life." "Having a bias to action means that when in doubt, you do something rather than doing nothing." "Failure is a necessary ingredient for success. It's like a cake that you cannot bake if you don't have this ingredient." Important Links Mike's Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ Scaling for Good Podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ If you want to sponsor or advertise on the show send me an email regnsowah@gmail.com
How can a business blend substantial growth with a robust culture of generosity? Today on the show, I'm joined by Mike Beckham, CEO and co-founder of Simple Modern, a nine-figure drinkware company nearly a decade old. Mike is also a well-known podcaster, hosting the Operators podcast and Scaling for Good. He is not only steering a thriving business, but also shaping a workplace culture rich in generosity and intention, and we're diving into his perspective on merging commercial success with meaningful corporate values. Listen in as Mike shares the intricacies of building a successful company while nurturing a positive company culture, the strategies behind Simple Modern's impressive growth, and how aligning business practices with personal values contributes to both employee satisfaction and company performance. Mike also opens up about the challenges of scaling a business without compromising on the foundational principles that make a company great, and the significance of cultivating a supportive and challenging work environment. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3UwfKw5 Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners? Learn more here. Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups? Subscribe via email.
Last year, Mike Beckham donated 1 million dollars. This year, he's setting his sights even higher. He wants to give away 50% of his annual income. And that's not all—his company, Simple Modern, with a valuation of around 350 million dollars, also allocates 10% of its profits each year to charitable causes. Mike's journey to philanthropy has been shaped by a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference. Despite starting his career in the nonprofit sector, he discovered his knack for business growth and decided to leverage his skills to amplify his impact. So he left the nonprofit world and built Simple Modern. For Mike, donating his money is about more than just creating a positive impact in the world (although that is a big part). Mike has found that donating his money helps him refrain from spending that doesn't bring happiness to his life, and allows him to have more success in the most important part of his life: his relationships with others. In this episode of Moneywise, Mike will explain all of the benefits of donating. He'll make the personal and financial cases, including how it's helped his business succeed. He'll also give tips on donating effectively, especially if you're just starting. And as usual, Mike will explain how he made all his money, how he spends it, and give us all the dollar details. This is Moneywise, a podcast where host Sam Parr is joined by high-net-worth guests to explore exclusive insights into personal finance and lifestyle tailored for other high-net-worth people, or those on their way. They'll get radically transparent about the numbers, revealing things like their burn rates, portfolios, and spending habits. Who is Sam Parr? Sam is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of The Hustle, which he sold to HubSpot in 2021. He's also the co-host of one of the world's top podcasts for entrepreneurs, My First Million. Known for his insightful business acumen and candid communication style, Sam Parr continues to be a prominent figure in the world of media and entrepreneurship. Sam's newest and biggest venture yet is Hampton, which he co-founded in 2022. This podcast was made for the Hampton community, a private, highly-vetted, peer membership community for founders and CEOs of fast-growing, tech-enabled startups. Chapters: His start in the profit world (3:41) When and why he switched to business (6:46) Why he's not interested in spending on himself (14:13) Why he gives so much (18:03) How much he donates (22:18) The benefits of giving (24:043) Advice on how to start (35:24) This podcast was produced in partnership with Lower Street and distributed by Morning Brew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike Beckham is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a leading producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Founded in 2015 and based in Oklahoma, SimpleModern currently generates a nine-figure annual revenue and is committed to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations. Under Mike's leadership, the company has grown into a category leader for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Sam's Club. We discuss: Building Simple Modern during the peak of Yeti's domination Hypergrowth strategies and living in a future with AI The power of product licensing and building moats The disadvantages of selling products online We'd appreciate you filling out our audience survey, so we can continuously work on providing relevant content to our listeners. https://www.thefortpod.com/survey Links Simple Modern Mike on X Topics (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:48) - Starting Simple Modern (00:15:46) - How much thought do you need to put into a product as simple as a cup? (00:17:51) - The Stanley Phenomenon (00:22:06) - Influencer marketing (00:24:15) - The pros of hiring your friends (00:33:21) - Learnings from spending 10 years as a pastor (00:43:43) - Hypergrowth (00:48:05) - AI (00:55:23) - Product Licensing (01:04:00) - Building moats (01:09:07) - Does Amazon take more and more margin out of products as you grow? (01:18:35) - Becoming an ESOP (01:27:01) - Offshoring and China (01:34:22) - What are some disadvantages to selling online? Support our Sponsors Better Pitch: https://bit.ly/42d9L0I Fort Capital: https://bit.ly/FortCapital Follow Fort Capital on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/fort-capital/ Chris on Social Media: X: https://bit.ly/3BYIjcH LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch The Fort on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://bit.ly/43SOvys Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO The FORT is produced by Johnny Podcasts
This episode's guest is Mike Beckham the founder and CEO of Simple Modern, an industry leading producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. We discuss the various stages of entrepreneurship and the sacrifices it takes to build a successful business.He shares insights on how he built his company's culture and business practices over time, which took a bootstrapped start-up from zero in sales to currently over $250 million in revenue. Lastly, we discuss the challenges of dealing with success and how money can be used as a tool to create businesses but ultimately happiness is something that can be difficult to obtain. Hope you enjoy the show!
Buy our NEW BOOK, The Score That Matters https://amzn.to/3TmmbkT Full show notes www.LearningLeader.com Think BIG... But choose what to be ambitious about. Get clear on that first. Simple Modern is a $225m bootstrapped business... Mike owns the majority of the company. Mission: "We exist to give generously." Simple Modern is an employee-owned Oklahoma based company whose mission statement is we exist to give generously. Our desire is to make 5-star products offering remarkable value so we can give to worthy organizations making the world a better place. Use the "75-year-old self principle:" - What would your 75-year-old self regret if you didn't do? (credit: Jeff Bezos) Leadership stages: Player Player/Coach Coach General Manager "I love the name of your podcast. You have to keep learning." What are the best and worst parts of being a CEO? Best: Building culture, being part of a community, having lunch every day with your team. It creates huge leverage to do great work. Worst: Stress, isolation. Understanding your identity? Is it too tied up in an unhealthy place? Mike's purpose: Teaching Giving Leading and creating value Parenting Positively alter the lives of others (as many as possible) "Great leaders create more leaders. We measure it wrong. It should be about creating more leaders." The professor, Rufus Fears, started the lecture. The first thing out of his mouth was, "If you are here trying to get a pink slip, I can tell you that the class is full, and there will be no pink slips given." Mike did not let that stop him. He stayed after class, talked with Professor Fears, went to his office, and talked with him. And earned entry to his class (and a few others of his later). It's a great lesson that we need to be proactive and take initiative. We need to go after what we want. Is your identity coming from a healthy place? Is it coming from accomplishments, titles, or materialistic things? Money? Or have you found your identity in something bigger than yourself? A well-defined purpose almost always stems from helping other people. Why you should write: There are multiple levels of understanding. They are: You know nothing, then you have an intuitive understanding of something but you can't explain it to someone else, then you actually behave in a deliberate way and can explain it. That goes to a point where you can understand a situation in real-time. And finally, you get to the point where you can teach it to someone else. A writing practice can help clarify your thinking and help you better understand something so well that you can teach it to others. Let's develop a writing practice. Writing scales. Hosting a podcast scales. They also increase your surface area for luck and serendipity. Why Mike has no desire to sell Simple Modern: The whole point of having money is that we can trade it for things that are better than money. "You can't convert money to friendships. You can't buy things that give you meaning & purpose. Life is in pursuit of priceless things." Mike's favorite marketing pitch ever (Jon Hamm in Mad Men): Kodak asks for a branding campaign around a new product. It is a circular device that allows you to flip through pictures. Kodak hopes to highlight the technology and call the product "the wheel." Then, they get a master class on branding from Jon Hamm in Mad Men… Before we can lead others well, we have to be internally healthy. Leadership is an inside-out exercise. What do you value? It is easy to determine what someone truly cares about: What do they do with their free time? Where do they spend their extra money? "I frequently spend time comparing what I say I value to what my behavior shows because the worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves."
Mike Beckham, a 9 Figure Business Owner, is on the podcast with Mike today to talk about what he'd do differently if he were to start building a 9 figure business all over again. We dive into how and why brand story is so important, and the uncommon mindset Mike Bekham uses to perpetuate business growth. Its hard enough trying to start an ecommerce business. Being a solopreneur means you'll have to be on top of your inventory levels, your PPC Campaigns, while also writing blog articles, making Youtube videos about your product and not to mention getting UGC from influencers. But what does a 100+ person company look like? Better yet, what did it take to get to be able to sustain that level of overhead? We've invited Mike Bekham, the co-founder of Simple Modern and 9 Figure Business Owner, to the podcast to ask him the golden question. If he had to do it all over again, what would he do differently? We talk about how being part of a community and choosing the right niche can open up more growth opportunities than you realize, and how building a brand starts internally. Here's some timestamps to help you along: 0:00 - Introduction 0:31 - Podcast Start 1:39 - Being a Part of an Amazon Community 6:55 - "What Would You Do Differently?" 7:44 - Playing to your strengths 8:34 - Choosing a product niche 14:53 - Product Differentiation 17:07 - Differentiation without millions in capital 24:13 - How Mike makes sure everyone's winning 30:42 - What Mike's learned over the years Mike, thank you for coming on the podcast and sharing all of the things you'd consider heavily when starting over. I hope that everyone who listens enjoyed the episode as much as I had recording it with you, and wish you well for the rest of the year. If you want to get in touch with Mike, you can find him at Linkedin or you can check out his Twitter. If you have any questions or any topics you'd like us to discuss on the podcast, you can now email us directly at support@ecomcrew.com! Also, we would really appreciate it if you would leave us a review on iTunes. Thanks for listening!
Mike Beckham is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a global producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. Founded in 2015 and based in Oklahoma, Simple Modern currently generates a nine-figure annual revenue and is committed to generosity, donating at least 10% of annual profits to nonprofit organizations. Under Mike's leadership, the company has grown into a category leader for Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Sam's Club, serving more than 20 million customers worldwide. Mike graduated with a degree from the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business, where he currently serves as the senior entrepreneur-in-residence. This January, we're doing a series on start ups: so stay dialed in if you want to start a business, a side-hustle, a podcast, a non profit, or a church! If you want to join a community/mastermind of like minded individuals in the space of Christian Business Owners - visit https://www.kingscouncilcommunity.org This episode is brought to you by www.venture.org Be sure to pick up Ryan Skoog's latest book at: www.leadwithprayer.com For more information, visit: www.youngadults.today | www.fyi-podcast.com
Mike Beckham sees the benefits of competitive markets. Simple Modern, a company he co-founded in 2015, sells insulated drinkware, competing against Yeti and other large providers. He says markets are competitive because many consumers value those products."Capturing a small percentage of a competitive market can make you insanely successful," he stated.Beckham shares his ecommerce journey in this episode, addressing Amazon, digital-first merchandising, physical-store sales, and more.For an edited and condensed transcript with embedded audio, see: https://pec-ly.com/?6qBVFor all condensed transcripts with audio, see: https://www.practicalecommerce.com/tag/podcastsListener reviews of Ecommerce Conversations elevate visibility and help others experience the lessons of online entrepreneurs. We invite you to leave a review on this channel if you're so moved. ******The mission of Practical Ecommerce is to help online merchants improve their businesses. We do this with expert articles, podcasts, and webinars. We are an independent publishing company founded in 2005 and unaffiliated with any ecommerce platform or provider. http://www.practicalecommerce.com
00:00 Introduction and Importance of Inventory Management 01:24 The Complexity of Inventory Management 03:20 Factors Affecting Inventory Risk 05:27 Time-Based and Seasonal Inventory Risks 07:23 Product Market Fit and Specificness as Inventory Risks 09:15 The Financial Engineering Aspect of Inventory 10:04 The Impact of Inventory on Lending and Credit 13:15 The Importance of Managing Downside in Inventory 15:32 The Risks of Overstocking and Understocking 19:09 The Impact of Macro Factors on Inventory 21:25 The Ideal Size and Growth of a Business 23:52 The Importance of Operating Paranoid and Planning for Risk 27:26 Considering the Competitive Landscape in Inventory Management 32:51 The Risks of High Growth and the Ideal Size for a Business 37:08 The Impact of Category Risk on Inventory 40:32 The Role of Domestic Manufacturing in Resilience and Growth 42:17 The Importance of Brand and Speed 43:11 The Advantage of Customizable Products and Agility 44:12 Taking Shots on Goal and the Role of Domestic Manufacturing 45:16 The Impact of Speed and Global Logistics 46:14 Scaling Up with Domestic Manufacturing 47:13 The Challenge of Inventory Management 48:44 Cutting Inventory and Making Decisions 50:07 Expanding Manufacturing into New Markets 51:33 The Structural Advantage of Established Businesses 52:57 Recycling and Upcycling Inventory 56:03 The Reality of Destroy and Field 58:07 Being Analytical and Unemotional about Inventory 01:02:15 Intentionality, Preparation, and Consistency Operators Exclusive Slack: https://join.slack.com/t/9operators/shared_invite/zt-20pd2eq4n-UVM6oTQkdltEwLINwkCWIA Operators Job Board: https://operators.niceboard.co In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumored to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The world's biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Four titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share their wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By: Fulfil.io. https://bit.ly/3pAp2vu The Only Cloud ERP Designed to Efficiently Scale 8 and 9-Figure Brands. Northbeam. https://www.northbeam.io/ Sendlane. https://learn.sendlane.com/operators Visit Our Website: https://www.9operators.com/ Summary This episode discusses the importance of inventory management and the risks associated with it. The conversation covers various factors that affect inventory risk, including time-based risks, seasonal risks, and product market fit. The financial engineering aspect of inventory is also explored, highlighting the impact of inventory on lending and credit. The discussion emphasizes the need to manage downside in inventory and the risks of overstocking and understocking. The impact of macro factors on inventory and the ideal size and growth of a business are also discussed. The episode concludes with a focus on the role of domestic manufacturing in resilience and growth. In this episode, Mike Beckham and Matt Bertulli discuss the importance of brand and speed in driving excess returns. They explore the advantage of customizable products and agility in the market. They also delve into the role of domestic manufacturing in taking more shots on goal and scaling up with successful products. The conversation highlights the challenges of inventory management and the need to make decisions when inventory becomes heavy. They also touch on the potential for expanding manufacturing into new markets and the benefits of recycling and upcycling inventory. The episode concludes with a focus on the importance of being analytical and unemotional about inventory and the need for intentionality, preparation, and consistency in business operations. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/9operators/message
Mike Beckham joins the Wavebreak Podcast to talk about Simple Modern and their rapid growth to nearly $200 million in annual revenue. In this episode we cover:Breakdown of Black Friday/Cyber Monday results for 2024, including insights into Simple Modern's limited edition daily releases of 1,000 units.The importance of financing and how Mike was able to obtain a $50 million line of credit for the brand.Understanding how Simple Modern strategically created moats around their brand and practical tips on how you can implement similar strategies for your own brand.Mike Beckham is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a global producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products.Links MentionedSimple ModernLearn more about Wavebreak: the email & CRM agency for high-growth DTC brandsSponsored by...AdNabu is the top-rated AI product feed management app trusted by 8000+ Shopify and Shopify Plus brands. Powered by the same language models fueling ChatGPT, its AI tech generates the most effective strategy for each marketplace (Google Shopping, Facebook, TikTok, and more) in real-time. Install the app or book a demo today using code LEADINGBRANDS20 for 20% off.
Embark on a 13-year entrepreneurial journey with Mike Beckham where he shares the highs and lows of building businesses. Beckham unveils the key to business success—cultivating a winning culture. Live from his keynote at the Main Street Summit, Mike explores the intricacies of culture and introduces three underestimated pillars: trust, purpose, and ownership. Trust, the linchpin, is dissected through the Trust Equation, emphasizing the balance of interpersonal and performance dimensions. Purpose's power in fostering exceptional teams is illustrated, aligning individual roles with a broader calling. The third pillar, ownership, takes center stage as he shares insights on transitioning from leader-dependent to collectively owned culture. Don't miss this roadmap to creating an exceptional workplace.Watch Scaling For Good: https://www.youtube.com/@mikebeckhamsmVisit Mike's Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.comFollow Mike on X: https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsmFollow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/Checkout Simple Modern: https://www.simplemodern.com
Bryan Porter, co-founder of Simple Modern, takes over the host chair to interview Mike Beckham, the CEO of Simple Modern. As Mike navigates the unfamiliar territory of being a guest on his own podcast, Bryan jumps into Mike's background prior to Simple Modern, exploring his atypical journey from a finance undergraduate to the world of entrepreneurship and e-commerce. Mike reflects on the pivotal moments that led him to transition from the nonprofit world to the business world, emphasizing the importance of purpose and impact in his career decisions.Mike sheds light on the CEO role's evolution throughout different phases of the company. From bootstrapping and working nights to building a team and securing major partnerships. As the startup scales and success brings the opportunity to hire, Bryan discusses the challenges of coaching new team members. They explore the pitfalls of becoming a bottleneck by resisting delegation and share strategies for effectively empowering others.This discussion highlights the role of leadership in creating a positive impact beyond profit, emphasizing the idea that true success lies in making a redemptive impact on the lives of others.THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:Friendly Full-Service Order Fulfillment and Distributionhttps://www.encorefulfills.com/Watch Scaling For Good: https://www.youtube.com/@mikebeckhamsmVisit Mike's Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.comFollow Mike on X: https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsmFollow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/Checkout Simple Modern: https://www.simplemodern.com
The Art of Building a Purpose-Driven Consumer Brand | How To Build A BRAND? Learn from Simple Modern co-founder Mike Beckham as he shares his playbook for building a purpose-driven consumer brand and company culture. In this transparent interview, Mike explains Simple Modern's mission-focused approach and how they create outsized value for customers.Mike stresses the importance of enjoying each stage of the journey rather than fixating on goals. He shares tactics for strengthening company culture, gathering customer insights for rapid iteration, and establishing brand loyalty even in a commoditized market.Key topics include:- Mike's origin story and how his nonprofit experience shaped Simple Modern's values- Ways to breed a sense of ownership in culture so it scales gracefully- Actionable strategies for constant product improvement based on user feedback- How to build emotional connections and brand affinity with customers- Why it's critical to find meaning and purpose in exactly where you're situatedMike also shares his stream-of-consciousness approach if he were starting a new D2C brand today.Whether you're building a purpose-driven company or aspire to become a thoughtful business leader, don't miss the tactical insights from Mike Beckham.-----------------------------------------------------------
The boys are back for a round of musings on the impact of Ozempic and Kim K's marketing genius! And then, Brian sits for a live interview at Retail Summits with Mike Beckham, CEO and Co-Founder of Simple Modern, who shares how he has built a team that has been built on generosity and relationships and making a real difference in the world around us.The SKIMS {00:07:51} - “Manufacturing virality is not so difficult in 2023. SKIMS leaned into a really smart product launch that created a halo around the thing they really needed to draw attention to, and it completely reoriented the brand at a time when they were being both hyper-feminine and hyper-masculine.” - Phillip{00:10:21} - “‘Your enemies are your best PR." {Marshall McLuhan} The critics are almost always the ones that provide the most value. And you're right. This is right out of the multiplayer brand. This is critique at work and in an aged, art form. It's something that was purely utility at its start, and now it's an art form that deserves critique or needs critique.” - Brian{00:16:10} - “The problem with tactics is that they work until they don't. If we want to build strong companies, we want to build resilient companies, you've got to build on a strategy that's going to work in a bunch of different climates, and that's not tactic dependent.” - Mike Beckham{00:19:55} - “I love the idea of building employees who understand the strategy, who are flexible enough and adaptable enough to understand that tactics have an end date. And, yes, you do have to apply them, but it's because of these bigger strategies that you make those changes.” - Brian{00:21:46} - “If you're trying to create profit, then giving money away works against your primary goal of being able to make money, but I had this theory that, no, that's not actually true. What actually happens with generosity is when we give, it turns out, and I don't know why this is, I mean, some of it's reciprocity. Maybe it transforms us in a way, but it just tends to be that people want to repay that and people want to give back, and you end up getting more than you started with in the beginning.” - Mike{00:24:41} - “We tend to build teams, as these highly, disinfected, like, you bring these skill sets, I bring these skill sets, like a puzzle. We're just trying to match up all the skill sets. But the reality is great teams have chemistry. And chemistry comes from affinity and trust and affection, and that gets built through relationships.” - Mike{00:32:26} - “This generation, there are things that they're gonna need to grow in, and there are things that they're strong in. One of the things they're strong in is that they are particularly focused on that gap that I talked about between the world that is and the world that can't be, and they care intensely about that gap.” - Mike{00:39:59} - “People don't leave because they got a better offer from somebody close, and I'm not convinced that that's because we're a perfect company. It's more just that we're thinking intentionally around how are we creating high quality of life.” - MikeAssociated Links:Learn more about Mike Bekham and Simple ModernFC Insiders #113: BrinkmanshipGrab your copy of The Multiplayer Brand for just $20 with free shipping in the U.S.Have you checked out our YouTube channel yet?Subscribe to Insiders and The Senses to read more about what we are witnessing in the commerce worldListen to our other episodes of Future CommerceHave any questions or comments about the show? Let us know on futurecommerce.com, or reach out to us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. We love hearing from our listeners!
In 2017, the company had one of its biggest days.In this episode, you'll hear the remarkable story of how Simple Modern, a company known for its stylish water bottles and lifestyle products, forged a multi-year partnership with Target, resulting in millions of dollars in product sales on Target shelves. Mike Beckham, CEO and co-founder of Simple Modern, sits down with Kelley, one of the architects of the Target partnership, to discuss the intricacies of mass retail, salesmanship, and the importance of being incremental to the retailer's goals.Discover the behind-the-scenes planning and relationship management that goes into building successful partnerships with major retailers. Learn how anticipation, timely communication, and internal sales within the company are essential to delivering results in the world of mass retail. Join us for a conversation on the fascinating world of retail strategy, market fit, and the art of being a forward-thinking partner that truly makes a difference.THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:Launch, grow, and optimize with Bluebird: https://www.thebluebirdgrp.com/Watch Scaling For Good: https://www.youtube.com/@mikebeckhamsmVisit Mike's Website: https://www.mikebeckhamblog.comFollow Mike on X: https://twitter.com/mikebeckhamsmFollow Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/Checkout Simple Modern: https://www.simplemodern.com
Everybody knows that company culture is important, but that's a lot different from actually building a culture that sticks, makes your business better, and gives your employees a sense of mission. How can you build a meaningful and deep-rooted company culture that will also make your business stronger and more successful? Mike Beckham, the co-founder, and CEO of Simple Modern has created one of the most successful drinkware companies on the planet while also fostering a mission-based culture. In this episode of Let's Talk Business, Meny asks Mike about the secrets of his success, the ways we can all inculcate a positive and productive culture in our companies, what entrepreneurs need to look at when trying to start a company, and much more. Listen and enjoy! Mike Beckham is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, one of the largest and most successful drinkware companies in the world. He also helped found several e-commerce businesses which have together generated over a billion dollars in revenue and has been involved both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 14:45] Opening Segment • Mike shares his backstory and career path leading up to founding the company - Simple Modern • The importance of a company's mission is something that is often overlooked but is essential in order for it to be successful Mission-driven companies are more beneficial to society than those without a sense of purpose • It is the leader's responsibility to create an environment in which their team can thrive and achieve their goals [14:46 - 29:44] How to Create a Culture that's Idealistic & Practical • Diversity is good when it comes to having different perspectives and skill sets, but can be unhelpful when values are different • A company with shared values and a shared mission will be stronger than one with diverse values or no values at all Having core values and focusing on a mission helps to create a culture that is self-fulfilling and attracts employees who share those values • Why a company's culture cannot be created without deep convictions from the leader about what they believe in • How Simple Modern uses transparency to attract and retain ton talent [29:45 - 44:32] Transparent Leaders Build Trust • Transparency is the exercise of allowing other people to see what you're thinking • When you build a culture where both relationally and organizationally, people are transparent, trust is fostered Leaders should be transparent about their weaknesses and get feedback from team members to improve • The mindset for a startup entering a new market is to look at the best players in the space See where players may be white space that they can enter [44:33 - 1:00:50] Closing Segment • How to create a long-term sustainable competitive advantage • Mike on the rapid-four questions • Q&A: How can I figure out the best way to use the money to maximize its effect on growing my business? Key Quotes: "The world doesn't need another water ball company, but the world definitely needs more mission-driven companies." - Mike Beckham "I want to be in environments that add to my quality of life, where I am working with other people who are trying to be about the same things and are trying to accomplish the same mission." - Mike Beckham "Great founders and great cultures, start with deep convictions." - Mike Beckham Connect with Ptex Group: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve in business. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Mike Beckham is the founder & CEO of Simple Modern, a global producer of premium drinkware & lifestyle products. In this conversation, we talk about entering markets with high competition, how to sell an established product, strategy differentiation, core principle of achieving excellence, why you should always be generous, challenges of American manufacturing, and how to scale between a player & coach. ======================= Trust and Will has simplified the process of creating and managing your will or trust online. They leverage a data-driven, design-first approach and amazing customer support to help you protect your legacy from the comfort of your home starting at just $159. Sign up today for 10% off using https://trustandwill.com/pomp ======================= Auradine, a leader in web infrastructure solutions including blockchain, AI, and privacy, has unveiled the world's first 4nm Bitcoin mining systems, featuring breakthrough EnergyTune™ technology, setting new standards in performance and energy efficiency. The Teraflux™ product line from Auradine offers best-in-class performance, efficiency, and total cost of ownership (TCO), positioning it as the optimal choice for Bitcoin mining needs. With EnergyTune™, a patent-pending technology, Auradine's Teraflux™ systems enable rapid demand response and optimal energy usage, fostering a symbiotic relationship with electrical grids, and contributing to sustainable energy practices. Designed and manufactured in the US, Auradine's Teraflux™ product line not only ensures cutting-edge technology but also mitigates supply chain risks and provides increased supply chain resiliency. Visit www.auradine.com for more information the Teraflux bitcoin mining systems. ======================= Pomp writes a daily letter to over 250,000+ investors about business, technology, and finance. He breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand language while sharing opinions on various aspects of each industry. You can subscribe at https://pomp.substack.com/
In the world of eCommerce, a legendary WhatsApp group is rumoured to hold the secrets to unimaginable success. The catch? You must have nine figures in revenue to gain entry. The worlds biggest brands have denied its existence for years, until now. Three titans known as "Operators" are leaking the secret contents in an effort to share its wealth of knowledge with people like you. Powered By Northbeam.Visit Northbeam Each of the 9 figure operators use Northbeam to measure everything and scale everywhere. Join our newsletter Record a question or shoutout for the show Request to join our exclusive Facebook group Visit Our Website Follow us on Twitter: Show Twitter Sean (Host) Jason (Host) Matt (Host) Mike (Guest) Finn (Producer) Northbeam (Partner) Show Breakdown Part 1: Introduction to the podcast and its purpose Discussion about entrepreneurship and why it's important Introduction of the guests and their backgrounds Part 2: Discussion about the importance of customer feedback Importance of pivoting in business How to deal with criticism and rejection Part 3: The role of authenticity in business and building a brand The importance of understanding your market and competitors Strategies for scaling a business Part 4: Discussion about raising capital and venture capital The pros and cons of bootstrapping versus raising capital Importance of building relationships in the industry Part 5: Discussion about building a strong team and company culture Importance of finding the right people for the job Strategies for effective leadership and communication Part 6: The importance of having a strong mission and vision for your business How to create and communicate a clear mission and vision statement Strategies for staying true to your mission and values Part 7: Discussion about the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship Importance of having a strong support system Strategies for overcoming challenges and staying motivated Part 8: Discussion about the role of innovation and creativity in business Importance of continuous learning and improvement Strategies for fostering innovation and creativity in the workplace Part 9: Discussion about the importance of patience and long-term thinking in business Balancing profitability and enterprise value Strategies for setting yourself up for success in the future Part 10: Recap of the key topics discussed in the previous episodes Insights and takeaways from the guests Closing remarks and preview of upcoming episodes We Rise Together --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/9operators/message
What does real success look like? What does it feel like? Well –We are about to find out on this episode of Marketing People Love. I'm your host Jacques Spitzer and today I have Mike, a co-founder of Simple Modern; Who is making moves with their drinkware company- doing over $100M in sales, surfing the wave of interest in having a product that expresses who you are. I loved his perspective on the second purchase being the most important for any brand, how his unique company culture drives their success – and how he views marketing and licensing deals-in a moment where they don't HAVE to do anything different to succeed…but are looking to grow and give back to the world. Grab your drink container, and sip something you enjoy while you listen, Mike, welcome to MPL.
What does real success look like? What does it feel like? Well –We are about to find out on this episode of Marketing People Love. I'm your host Jacques Spitzer and today I have Mike, a co-founder of Simple Modern; Who is making moves with their drinkware company- doing over $100M in sales, surfing the wave of interest in having a product that expresses who you are. I loved his perspective on the second purchase being the most important for any brand, how his unique company culture drives their success – and how he views marketing and licensing deals-in a moment where they don't HAVE to do anything different to succeed…but are looking to grow and give back to the world. Grab your drink container, and sip something you enjoy while you listen, Mike, welcome to MPL.
When you find yourself with a match in your hand, contemplating burning the ship you're in to climb aboard another that will take you in a different direction, having the opportunity to make an impact is about the best destination you can chart a course for. And that's exactly what Mike Beckham did. This week, in the final interview in our special winter series BURN THE SHIPS, Warwick talks with Beckham about transitioning from rewarding work at a nonprofit ministry to the world of business – first as a member of his brother's team at an e-commerce startup and then as a founder and the CEO of Simple Modern, one of the nation's most successful sellers of water bottles and tumblers. But the brand's moto – We Exist To Give Generously – is as critical to its mission as its bottom line. The company has donated more than $2 million to more than 1,100 nonprofits since being established in 2015. “I call myself a nonprofit refugee in a for-profit world,” Beckham says … and that's how he's found the impact he was searching for when he set his ships on fire. To learn more about Mike Beckham and Simple Modern, visit https://www.simplemodern.com/ To explore Beyond the Crucible assets, including our free Life of Significance assessment, visit www.beyondthecrucible.com Have a question? Drop us a line at info@beyondthecrucible.com
How do you build a socially-conscious product business within a competitive market? Mike Beckham, CEO and Co-founder, Simple Modern, shares his experience as a founder, diving into finding and protecting white space in the market, building brand loyalty and creating a great culture.Tune in to learn:Identifying white space in the market (7:20)Building “moats” in competitive markets (13:30)The need to have a good product in order to give back (23:20)Mike's advice for founders (33:15)Mentions:YetiThermosStanleyHydroflaskInternational Housewares Association's Inspired Home ShowQuibidsAll Birds Up Next in Commerce is brought to you by Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Learn more at http://www.salesforce.com/commerce Mission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.
Everybody knows that company culture is important, but that's a lot different from actually building a culture that sticks, makes your business better, and gives your employees a sense of mission. How can you build a meaningful and deep-rooted company culture that will also make your business stronger and more successful? Mike Beckham, the co-founder, and CEO of Simple Modern has created one of the most successful drinkware companies on the planet while also fostering a mission-based culture. In this episode of Let's Talk Business, Meny asks Mike about the secrets of his success, the ways we can all inculcate a positive and productive culture in our companies, what entrepreneurs need to look at when trying to start a company, and much more. Listen and enjoy! Mike Beckham is the co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, one of the largest and most successful drinkware companies in the world. He also helped found several e-commerce businesses which have together generated over a billion dollars in revenue and has been involved both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Key Highlights: [00:01 - 14:45] Opening Segment • Mike shares his backstory and career path leading up to founding the company - Simple Modern • The importance of a company's mission is something that is often overlooked but is essential in order for it to be successful Mission-driven companies are more beneficial to society than those without a sense of purpose • It is the leader's responsibility to create an environment in which their team can thrive and achieve their goals [14:46 - 29:44] How to Create a Culture that's Idealistic & Practical • Diversity is good when it comes to having different perspectives and skill sets, but can be unhelpful when values are different • A company with shared values and a shared mission will be stronger than one with diverse values or no values at all Having core values and focusing on a mission helps to create a culture that is self-fulfilling and attracts employees who share those values • Why a company's culture cannot be created without deep convictions from the leader about what they believe in • How Simple Modern uses transparency to attract and retain ton talent [29:45 - 44:32] Transparent Leaders Build Trust • Transparency is the exercise of allowing other people to see what you're thinking • When you build a culture where both relationally and organizationally, people are transparent, trust is fostered Leaders should be transparent about their weaknesses and get feedback from team members to improve • The mindset for a startup entering a new market is to look at the best players in the space See where players may be white space that they can enter [44:33 - 1:00:48] Closing Segment • How to create a long-term sustainable competitive advantage • Mike on the rapid-four questions • Q&A: How can I figure out the best way to use the money to maximize its effect on growing my business? Key Quotes: "The world doesn't need another water ball company, but the world definitely needs more mission-driven companies." - Mike Beckham "I want to be in environments that add to my quality of life, where I am working with other people who are trying to be about the same things and are trying to accomplish the same mission." - Mike Beckham "Great founders and great cultures, start with deep convictions." - Mike Beckham Connect with Ptex Group: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to achieve in business. Listen to previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer and kickstart your grant writing career today: www.teresahuff.com/vip The Quest for the Perfect Water Bottle A couple of years ago I needed a new water bottle. But not just any water bottle. You see, even though it's a small thing, it's also a big thing. I drink a lot of water all day, every day. I feel all weird and shrively if I don't. Because it's such an everyday thing for me, a water bottle is an important decision. It had to be just right. We're talking…Color. Size. Shape. Lid. Spout. Straw. Handle. Price. Lightweight. Fits in my hand. Fits in my car cup holder. Keeps it cold in a hot car for days. The brand didn't matter as long as it fit ALL the other requirements. Not asking for much, right? I finally stumbled across what looked like the perfect water bottle combination, so I added it to my Christmas list. I'd never heard of the brand before, but decided to give it a chance. My husband was happy to have the recommendation and checked it off his list. Best water bottle decision ever. Simple Modern is now my go-to water bottle brand. Lest you think this is a commercial, though, turns out there's a whole lot more to the story than just a good water bottle. After reading more about Simple Modern, I connected with the CEO. Pretty soon it was obvious that you needed to talk with him too, so - here we are. Today I'm chatting with Mike Beckham, the CEO of Simple Modern. He's full of wisdom on leadership, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship. Mike gives us guidance on how skills in both the for-profit world and the nonprofit world translate to support one another, how we can develop a quality of life and corporate culture, and what factors help create a successful organization. Listen in for some tips of gold! Challenge Question: How can you best steward your resources right now by transferring skills you already have into the nonprofit world? Meet Mike Beckham: Mike's career began by working for the nonprofit Christian ministry, Campus Crusade for Christ, also known as CRU. He then transitioned into founding many e-commerce businesses, and is most recently the CEO of Simple Modern. Simple Modern's mission statement is, “We exist to give generously,” and Mike is passionate about sharing his experiences with others. Mike is also the entrepreneur-in-residence for the Tom Love Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Oklahoma. Connect with Mike: Simple Modern Simple Modern Amazon Store LinkedIn Twitter Blog Free Audit: How Grant-Ready Is Your Nonprofit? If you need support in your journey to excellence as a grant writer, I'd like to invite you to join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. Go to teresahuff.com/vip and start learning today. Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Grant Writer? Take the Quiz: If you're ready to explore a career in grant writing, take my free quiz, “Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer?” People are always surprised at how many skills they already have. The distance isn't as far as they thought. Let's figure out how you can use your skills to help change your world. If you're ready to step up your nonprofit game, join me on the Fast Track to Grant Writer. The world needs you. Connect with Teresa Huff: Website: www.teresahuff.com Take the Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be a grant writer? Social: LinkedIn Community LinkedIn Instagram Pinterest Get on the Fast Track to Grant Writer: www.teresahuff.com/vip
Are you developing a great culture within your organization, or are you just managing it to generate revenue? Be focused on your people because they are the key to your success. Listen to your host Kendra Prospero as she sits down for a conversation with Mike Beckham about a unique leadership style that creates a great culture and quality of life for its people. Mike Beckham is co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a leading producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. In this episode, he discusses the importance of recognizing a better way to structure things so you can create an environment where people can thrive and feel valued. He explains the concept of generosity and how it goes beyond just money. He shares his transformational experience and the different ways that you have an opportunity to be generous. Tune in to learn why money alone can't fix everything and how empowering people create structures that make a difference.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://turningthecornerllc.com/podcast
The long-term sustainability of an organization largely depends on the quality of the organization's team, which ultimately ties back to the company's leadership. Mike discusses the characteristics of a leader worth following and then shares practical advice for how to become that type of leader.Learn: Who/How/Why to become a leader worth following Riding the highs & lows of entrepreneurship Creating balance between work & family CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Mike shares his wisdom around when to scale, how to scale, and how to empower and develop the team around you. We believe this has been the secret sauce behind Simple Modern's success.Learn: How to scale well: develop yourself and develop others Stages of CEO/leader Attracting A players Funding's role in scaling Keeping vision in front of your people CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
"Should I stay, or should I go?" When faced with the question, "What do we do now?," you have three options. Mike breaks those down and shares a personal story of when it was time to quit, and what led to what is now Simple Modern. Learn: 3 options when facing, “what do we do now?”: Persist, Quit, Pivot Why it's hard for entrepreneurs to quit Sunk cost fallacy Changing the narrative on quitting CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Radical Giving: The Secret To Life. When you inject generosity into a company it will flourish as well as the people, and Mike has witnessed that in action at Simple Modern. Tune in to hear how they have fostered holistic generosity within the culture at Simple Modern - from the very beginning.Episode Highlights Tone setting + why Simple Modern leaned further into generosity during the pandemic (0:45) Foundational story that shaped how Mike thinks about generosity (3:45) Generosity as a cornerstone - how Simple Modern started with the “why” and worked back to the “what” (5:00) Four reasons why generosity is crucial (5:40) Questions you can ask today to apply these principles (9:00) Tips to create vibrant internal cultures through generosity(11:45) Tips for applying generosity to external relationships (16:50) Focus on process instead of results(18:55) How Simple Modern stands apart with a generous spirit (22:10) Giving without expectations of the impact + the ripple effect of generosity (27:20) Mike Drop Moment: Generosity enlarges the future for others. (29:50) CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
We're diving into innovation and differentiation. The secret to success is finding the white space. Do what's already working . . . Just do it differently and better. Hear how Mike and his co-founders landed on drinkware as their product to sell.Learn: The trap many entrepreneurs get stuck Step-by-step instructions to differentiate from competitors Finding the white space Experimentation & iteration Episode Highlights Tone setting + creating something that has value (1:00) How Simple Modern saw the white space in an already saturated market (4:00) Where the white space lives (6:00) Three things to look for when trying to start something new (8:30) Questions to ask yourself today (10:00) Advice for entrepreneurs experiencing self doubt or intimidation by competition (13:00) What kind of decisions Mike and the team have made strategically as they've looked at competitors (16:00) Is there a time you're ever you should ever not be experimenting? (18:00) Mike Drop Moment: In any industry, there is room for a really well run executed company. (23:00) CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Mike Beckham didn't set out to create the world's best insulated drinkware brand. He didn't daydream of launching a groundbreaking product. Instead, he wanted to create and lead a company with a culture that put generosity at the forefront. A nine-figure business with a product that's become a household name in an already crowded market? That was just a bonus.
Start with CultureWhat is the day-to-day environment? Discussion on the dream culture that the founders wanted, what culture is, and how do you create the vision.Learn: Key aspects to culture Defining generous culture Why good culture matters 4 ways to build exceptional culture Retaining culture during periods of growth CONNECT WITH MIKELinkedIn / TwitterCONNECT WITH SIMPLE MODERNWebsite / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube
Mike Beckham is co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Simple Modern, a leading producer of premium drinkware and lifestyle products. On this podcast, we talked about accepting that it's better to use Amazon than to compete with it, why Simple Modern is heavily investing in domestic manufacturing, process-driven vs results-driven mindset, and so much more! To learn more, visit: http://honestecommerce.co Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Connect with Mike.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm Stylish water bottles, travel mugs, food storage, and backpacks simplemodern.com Scale your business with electriceye.io Download Mesa at the Shopify App Store apps.shopify.com/mesa Transform your returns into exchanges loopreturns.com/honest Get started with a free account at klaviyo.com/honest
This episode is insane! Mike Beckham has founded and operated several Ecommerce businesses that have generated more than $ 1 billion in revenue.Mike is the CEO and co-founder of Simple Modern. Simple Modern is one of the leading omnichannel suppliers of stainless-steel insulated drinkware in the world.In this episode we discuss building a brand, working with retailers, and many other insights that enabled Mike to be so successful. Don't miss this episode it's full of GOLD! A big thank you to our sponsors: Rewind. Back up your Shopify store because not doing so is absolute lunacy. As a listener of the show, you can claim a no strings attached free month with this link: https://rewind.com/ecommercegold/Clearco. Get funded: https://clear.co/partner/vixxr/VIXXR Shopify Agency. https://www.vixxr.com/
What It Takes To Build A Billion-Dollar Business Welcome to episode 53 of The Multifamily Millionaire: Real Income From Real Estate with Jason Lee. This week Jason welcomes Mike Beckham and picks his brain about how he's been able to build a billion-dollar business. Mike Beckham has co-founded several e-commerce businesses that have cumulative sales of more than a billion dollars. To download your free Real Estate Deal Analyzer just head to https://jlmrealestateinc.com/free-product/. With this guide, you'll be able to easily understand your real estate deals. Here is what to expect on this week's show: What it really takes to build a billion-dollar business Why Mike decided to focus his latest company on drinkware How to build a private label brand on Amazon How Mike was able to secure licensing deals Why you need to develop a clear idea of where you want to go Relevant links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ https://www.simplemodern.com/ Connect with Jason: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonjosephlee/?hl=en YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCWNrpNXpGuujHMVZJWmBLsw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-lee-3b7806115/ Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebeckhamsm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What do water bottles, train robberies, inventory management, 7x increases in shipping containers, employee purpose and the great job exit, have to do with one another? They're all topics of today's fascinating conversation with Simple Modern CEO, Mike Beckham. From Mike's first reactions to Covid, to his company's purpose and how that translates into keeping employees around, you won't want to miss this next interview!As a reminder, Mike was interviewed in our last Core episode on the Supply Chain crisis, so if you haven't caught that one yet, make sure to give it a listen!
In a world where Hydro Flask is now synonymous with water-bottle, how does one break into the insulated drink space? On today's Founder Wisdom, we talk to Mike Beckham co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, a drinkware company with the goal of designing water bottles as unique as you. Starting off in the non-profit space, Mike brainstormed a list of 100 products, decided on drinkware, and started one of the biggest companies in that space. In fact Mike has been responsible for over a billion dollars in sales! Mike talks us through his lows, his competition, and Simple Modern's recent partnership with Disney. https://www.simplemodern.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter! https://findingfounders.co/subscribe Website: findingfounders.co Follow Sam: https://www.instagram.com/samueldonner/ Follow Finding Founders IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingfounderspodcast/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/finding-founders/support
Two years ago, the pandemic started a chain of events that would hit the supply chain in ways it had never before been impacted in the more global economy of Ecommerce. We're talking to DTC brand owners and Ecommerce / Retail agency people to get an idea of what happened, why it happened, and how we can better prepare ourselves for continued supply chain difficulties. In this episode, we interview four people who deal with this on a daily basis: Mike Beckham, CEO of Simple ModernElizabeth Marsten, Senior Director of Marketplace Services at TinuitiSean McGinnis, President of KURU FootwearChris Johnson, Director of Strategy at Common Thread CollectiveMake sure to watch for each of these interviewee's individual episodes, as these were masterclasses in ecommerce, thinking far beyond the supply chain!
On this episode I chatted with CEO of Simple Modern Mike Beckham about his journey from growing up in the state to leading one of Oklahoma's fastest growing companies. You may have seen or even used his products. The Simple Modern product range features in many big box stores around the country. Mike haas co-founded several e-commerce businesses that have cumulative sales of more than a billion dollars. But it wasn't always that way, he talks about his upbringing, his faith and ultimate goal to build lasting businesses that improve the lives of their employees and customers. "Simple Modern seeks to develop exceptional stainless steel, vacuum insulated water bottles, tumblers, and travel mugs along with a vast assortment of backpacks, lunch bags, and food storage solutions. We are committed to doing business with excellence, placing the needs of others above our own, and delivering quality products that will simplify our lives." www.simplemodern.com Mikes book recommendations: Walt Disney, By: Neal Gabler Alexander Hamilton, By: Ron Chernow Titan, By: Ron Chernow Steve Jobs, By: Walter Isaacson The Wright Brothers, By: David McCullough Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, By: Walter Isaacson Washington, By: Ron Chernow Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, By: Jon Meacham Sam Walton, By: John Huey, Sam Walton Shoe Dog, Phil Knight This episode is presented by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, telling Oklahomas story through its people since 1927. For more information on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame go to www.oklahomahof.com and for daily updates go to www.instagram.com/oklahomahof #thisisoklahoma
20+ years ago, way before River City Community Church and the Real Life Amphitheatre were a thing, Pastor Sean hosted a home group that included Mike Beckham who first met Sean when both were in youth ministry. Mike now leads his own IT company and still serves River City. Hear these two old friends talk about the past, and even their future plans.
20+ years ago, way before River City Community Church and the Real Life Amphitheatre were a thing, Pastor Sean hosted a home group that included Mike Beckham who first met Sean when both were in youth ministry. Mike now leads his own IT company and still serves River City. Hear these two old friends talk about the past, and even their future plans.
Courtney sits down with Simple Modern co-founder and CEO Mike Beckham. They talk about creating a culture that people want to be a part of, aligning your focus with your mission, and creating products that give back in more ways than one. If you're struggling with feeling like your job is just a job, give this episode a listen. You have more to offer than just a product.
Mike Beckham graduated Summa Cum Laude from the OU Business College in 2003. Mike began his career working with the worldwide non-profit Christian ministry CRU. Since transitioning to the business world, he has been a part of founding and operating several e-commerce businesses that have cumulatively generated more than 1 billion in revenue. Most recently, Mike has served as CEO and co-founder of Simple Modern. Simple Modern has grown in 5 years to be one of the leading suppliers of stainless-steel insulated drinkware in the world. Simple Modern is an omni-channel consumer packaged goods company that was built from a digital first distribution strategy. Its three largest distribution channels are its website, Amazon, and Target. In addition, Simple Modern is a licensing partner for the NFL, NBA, NCAA, and Disney.Mike lives in Norman with his wife of 17 years, Heather. He has two children, Carter (9) and Kenzie (6). In addition to his work in the business world, Mike is the senior entrepreneur-in-residence for the University of Oklahoma Price College of Business Entrepreneurship Program.
Is it possible to grow a 9-figure business with very little marketing spend? Yes, listen to hear how.In this episode, the CEO, and Co-Founder of Simple Modern Mike Beckham talks about how they were able to grow to 100 million in revenue per year in four years with very little spend on social media platforms. If you are still in the that's good to be true state, then listen and be enlightened.KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODEMost breakthroughs are not sky-parting light shining down moment, they are the accumulation of a growth mindset and doing the right thing over and over.Growing a great brand is a lot more about being willing to make small, one percent improvements every single day.It's hard to build anything great if you constantly have to rebuild part of what you're doing.Do you have a clear idea of how you are going to acquire customers? Find unique channel strategies in which you aren't competing with legacy brands that you aren't going to beat. You cannot scale an organization without scaling the number and quality of leaders.Book: Think Again https://www.amazon.com/Think-Again-Power-Knowing-What/dp/1984878107TODAY'S GUESTMike Beckham is the CEO and Co-Founder of Simple Modern. He is a businessman and also a professor in Entrepreneurship.Simple modern is an Oklahoma company created to do business differently and give generously. They offer a stylish selection of stainless steel insulated water bottles, travel mugs, tumblers, food storage solutions, backpacks, and travel gears.Connect and learn more about Mike and Simple Modern here:Website: https://www.simplemodern.com/products/summit-water-bottle-with-straw-lid-chug-lid-and-flip-lid-22oz?variant=36490286563400LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-beckham-93a3b99/We love our podcast community and listeners so much that we have decided to offer a free eCommerce Growth Plan for your brand! To learn more and how we can help, click here:https://mindfulmarketing.co/growthplan-applyIf you've been paying attention and your brand is ready to GROW, apply now to be the one new brand we take on this month!https://mindfulmarketing.co/apply
Mike began his career working with the worldwide non-profit Christian ministry CRU. Since transitioning to the business world, he has been a part of founding and operating several e-commerce businesses that have cumulatively generated more than 1 billion in revenue. Key Points: - Stewardship in business should be a core value. - Each job you take grows you in a different way. - Relational intentionality can shape an entrepreneurial mindset. For more, visit our show notes at https://loveworksleadership.blog/2021/03/13/episode-50-entrepreneurship-with-a-purpose-with-mike-beckham/.
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