Starting a business is exciting, but it's anything but straightforward. Having a great idea is just the beginning — what really matters are the decisions you ma...
Austin Long: Scaling Youtooz into a Leading Internet Collectibles Brand
In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Austin Long, the visionary co-founder behind Youtooz, a collectibles brand that has captivated the online creator community. Austin shares how his background in talent management for YouTube and Twitch creators helped him recognize a gap in the market for unique, creator-inspired collectibles. Since Youtooz's launch in 2019, Austin and his team have worked to make Youtooz a beloved direct-to-consumer brand, creating iconic figures that resonate with internet culture and fans worldwide.Throughout the conversation, Austin reveals insights into Youtooz’s rapid rise, from overcoming manufacturing hurdles to developing a distinct direct-to-consumer strategy centered on community engagement and organic growth. He explains how Youtooz has set itself apart by prioritizing creator partnerships and a trial-and-error approach to product development. This episode dives deep into the challenges and rewards of building a niche brand, the role of content in fostering loyal communities, and Youtooz’s future in expanding responsibly while staying true to its roots in innovation and ethics.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our Producers: The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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49:08
Jeremy Yamaguchi: Building the Nation’s Largest Pool Cleaning Roll-Up with Cabana
In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood welcomes Jeremy Yamaguchi, an entrepreneurial powerhouse who has carved a niche by transforming home service industries—part of a trillion-dollar market—through innovation. From founding a digital agency to creating Goldenshine and Lawn Love—both pioneering home service brands with successful exits—Jeremy’s career is defined by a rare combination of vision and operational rigor. Now, with his latest venture, Cabana, Jeremy is tackling the pool cleaning industry, aiming to consolidate and modernize a traditionally fragmented market.Jeremy discusses the evolution of his career, sharing how his multicultural upbringing and self-taught skills shaped his entrepreneurial path. He dives into the challenges of creating national brands in low-tech sectors, offering insights on strategic acquisitions, the power of genuine relationships, and his vision to make Cabana the "Orkin of pools." With a focus on continuous improvement and long-term growth, Jeremy’s journey exemplifies resilience and strategic thinking in scaling businesses from the ground up. This episode provides invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned founders, and anyone interested in how one can reshape traditional industries.Discover how Cabana is modernizing the pool cleaning industry—check it out at cabanapools.com.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our Producers: The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:04:48
Transforming Private Education: Linda Garmolgomut’s Vision for Global Education
In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Linda Garmolgomut, CEO of Ambassador Education Group (AEG), a trailblazer in Thailand’s private education sector. From her roots in Thailand to her formative years in the United States, Linda shares her journey of co-founding and expanding a network of international and bilingual schools that prioritize diverse curriculums and innovative learning experiences. Under her leadership, AEG has forged partnerships with global organizations like TED-Ed and National Geographic, setting a new benchmark for private education in the region. Linda offers insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, scaling operations with private equity, and fostering a holistic educational philosophy that supports students’ varied interests—from STEM to hospitality and culinary arts. She also discusses the importance of cultural sensitivity and diversity in international education, creating inclusive environments that prepare students for a globalized future. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the transformative power of education, entrepreneurial leadership, and the vision required to create lasting impact in a rapidly evolving world.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our Producers: The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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44:35
Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: How Lime’s Scooters Are Shaping Sustainable Cities – Andrew Savage
In this episode of Built in America, host Sam Mahmood sits down with Andrew Savage, a founding member of Lime, the trailblazing scooter and electric bicycle company reshaping urban transportation. Lime’s success reflects on its innovative solutions for urban mobility, and Andrew’s unique blend of environmental policy and strategic partnerships has been key to Lime’s growth into over 280 markets worldwide.Throughout their discussion, Andrew shares the vision behind Lime’s inception and the strategies used to transform the “last mile” of urban travel. The conversation covers Lime’s collaborative approach with city governments—offering a contrast to more adversarial models like those of Uber and Airbnb—and Lime’s adaptability during the pandemic, a period that allowed the company to focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.Join us for an engaging discussion on innovation, urban mobility, and the importance of building lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships in the fast-evolving landscape of electronic transportation.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmood_LinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our Producers: The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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38:44
From Shark Tank Rejection to Success: Ryan Duey’s Building the Largest Cold Plunge Company
In this episode of Built in America, Sam sits down with Ryan Duey, co-founder of Plunge, the iconic cold plunge and health startup transforming the wellness industry. Since its inception, Plunge has become a transformative force in the wellness industry, offering accessible and innovative solutions for cold exposure therapy. With a background in health and wellness, Ryan had previously owned float tank centers, but it was during the pandemic that he and his co-founder, Mike Garrett, launched Plunge—a venture that quickly captured the attention of many, including a memorable appearance on Shark Tank.Throughout the conversation, Ryan reflects on the early challenges of scaling Plunge, from navigating manufacturing hurdles to building a brand from the ground up. He shares insights on how influencer partnerships with the likes of Andrew Huberman and Aubrey Marcus helped catapult the brand, and how Plunge continues to innovate with upcoming products in heat therapy and preventative health. Ryan also emphasizes the importance of community-building through events and customer engagement, which have been pivotal in maintaining Plunge’s rapid growth.Join us for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, the future of wellness technology, and how Plunge is shaping the landscape of cold therapy.Let’s keep building… Follow Sam Mahmood: Instagram: @TheSamMahmoodTwitter: @TheSamMahmoodLinkedIn: Sam MahmoodJoin the Built In America community of others who are buying great businesses and sign up for Sam’s weekly newsletter: www.builtinamerica.coFollow our Producers: The Peers Project Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starting a business is exciting, but it's anything but straightforward. Having a great idea is just the beginning — what really matters are the decisions you make and the pivots along the way. That’s where Built In America comes in. A podcast that explores the real and raw experiences behind entrepreneurial success, broken down from the very beginning. Hosted by Sam Mahmood, a self-made entrepreneur raised by immigrant parents, who has skillfully raised funds to acquire businesses across America. Sam interviews guests who have built and bought some of the most fascinating and successful companies across the U.S.It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out, thinking of buying a business, or somewhere in the messy middle, Built In America is for those ready to delve into the business of building something big and be inspired by those who have built it, bought it, and made it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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