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September 9, 2025 46 mins

What does it look like to build a seven-figure business by accident and then use those lessons to build a $40 million company on purpose?


Meet Dan Demsky, CEO of Unbound Merino.


After building a successful service agency that left him feeling like a prisoner, Dan started over with a new vision - to create a profitable, scalable business that truly supported his freedom and lifestyle.


In this episode, you’ll hear how he used a smart crowdfunding strategy, obsessed over product quality, and built a successful company with his best friends - all while working from wherever he wanted.


In this episode:

  • The key differences between a "service-based" and a "product-based" business model
  • How to use a crowdfunding campaign to validate an idea, raise capital, and find your first 2,000 customers
  • The "manufactured momentum" strategy that helped Unbound Merino exceed its funding goal by over 1,000%
  • Why working with your best friends can be the best business decision you'll ever make
  • How to build a profitable, multimillion-dollar brand without high overhead, a massive team, or an office
  • Why obsessive product quality is the ultimate marketing strategy for a direct-to-consumer brand


Timestamps

00:01:42 – From a childhood snow-shoveling hustle to a seven-figure agency

00:06:05 – The shift from a service business to a product-based brand

00:08:15 – The "Aha!" moment that led to Unbound Merino

00:14:40 – A breakdown of the wildly successful crowdfunding strategy

00:21:00 – The biggest challenges and lessons from early fulfillment

00:24:20 – Why Dan believes working with your best friends is an amazing way to live

00:34:50 – The surprising strategy behind building a lean, efficient company

00:38:00 – The philosophy of a "lifestyle business" and its benefits

00:43:00 – Why obsessing over product quality is the best marketing


This episode of Deal Closers is hosted by Jason Gillikin, brought to you by WebsiteClosers.com, and is produced by Walk West.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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