Small to Big Season 1 Episode 6 How Brooklinen Went From Kickstarter to $20M in Sales

Small to Big is a new show that focuses on the journey of small businesses and startups as they grow and scale up. In season 1 episode 6, we delve into the story of Brooklinen, a luxury bedding company that started as a Kickstarter campaign and has since grown to over $20 million in sales.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the bedding industry and how it has typically been dominated by legacy brands with high markups and low-quality products. Brooklinen founders, Vicki and Rich Fulop, saw an opportunity to disrupt the industry by offering high-quality, affordable bedding directly to consumers.

The episode then takes us back to the early days of Brooklinen, when Vicki and Rich were still working out of their apartment and using crowdfunding as a way to fund their business. We learn about the challenges they faced in creating a successful Kickstarter campaign and the unexpected attention and excitement their product garnered.

With the success of their Kickstarter campaign, Vicki and Rich quickly realized that they needed to scale up their production and operations if they wanted to keep up with demand. They share stories of the early days of their company, including sleeping on air mattresses in their warehouse and working 20-hour days to fulfill orders.

As Brooklinen continued to grow, they faced new challenges and opportunities. The episode explores how the founders navigated the tricky waters of retail partnerships, expanded their product line, and maintained a focus on quality and customer service.

Throughout the episode, Vicki and Rich share valuable insights and lessons they have learned along the way. They emphasize the importance of having a clear brand vision, investing in quality, and staying true to your values despite external pressures.

The episode concludes with a celebration of Brooklinen's success and a look ahead to their plans for the future. Vicki and Rich express their gratitude for their team and customers and reflect on the journey that has brought them to where they are today.

Overall, Small to Big season 1 episode 6 offers a fascinating look into the world of entrepreneurship and the journey of a small business as it grows and scales up. Whether you are a business owner yourself or simply interested in the stories behind successful companies, this episode is a must-watch.