Howdy folks!
Wilkommen zurück beim Built Not Born!
Happy to have you along for another data log, and I hope you enjoy the small updates to the site, as well.
It has indeed been many months since the last data log... Shortcomings on my end.
More to come, inevitably... BUT, I will keep up the good fight that much is guaranteed..! Come so far what a shame it would be to give up now.
I am indeed writing this on July 6th 2025, so we have been making it happen thus far, and I have no regrets along the way.
Hanging with Friends
More to come on the Built Not Born Instagram etc etc in regards to cars and content!! Last week I linked up with my boy Dez and we rolled down to Folly Beach. He's got a slick FBO 535i, and that thing can SCOOOT. He was one of the first supporters of Built Not born in the gym back in the DAY. It's been so awesome to stay in touch with him over the years. Glad to reconnect and stay connected. Too cool.
I've wanted to shoot some mini documentary videos on YouTube covering homemade builds... He will be a first feature!
We were at the Ravenel bridge this weekend for the 4th of July shooting some content, so stay tuned for Log #0003, and check out his Instagram to see more of his ride!
Business Development
With major operational ownership changes pending the shutdown of the manufacturing piece (of Alphidia) back in November/December, the heat has been ON since January 1st. Like ON ON. Day in day out, challenges await. All of which, exhaustingly, culminate to and fro in the oddest of shapes and sizes. It's like 1 step forward .9 steps back for the team. Come on, yo!!
The feelings of doubt still loom heavy, but with such a great team here fighting for success, it makes the whole shibbang worth it. Sales have been mostly consistent for our bread and butter channels this year (Amazon being the biggest one). However, cost reducing and improvements to the line have been our saving grace, and of course, there are some awesomely awesome tangential channels we have been able to acquire this year, like Stellar Air Vents and some government contractors👽 Aaaaaand I would be naive to think that my amazing integrator/administrator/assistant/co-boss/badass, Caroline, didn't play a pivotal role in all of this. She's been so helpful in picking up my slack at the administrative level. There are many many many moving parts to a business, let alone one with a manufacturing process attached at the hip, so to think you can do it alone is foolishness. Surround yourself with amazing people and jettison the dead weight IMMEDIATELY if you truly wish to succeed at a high level. At least this is what I have been told... idk. You know who they are....
Our speed of manufacturing with the tight team has allowed us to keep our fulfillment centers full-ishhh for our main channels, which then allow me to focus more on business development for shorter sales cycles, and perhaps more "pull demand" focus so-to-speak. There is a balance of being at the tip of the spear with the guys out on the shop floor, but then again, someone must steer the ship and be at the computer pushing pens with Caroline.
I have had the Built Not Born site running for some time now as a side hustle brand for myself blah blah blah, so I am grateful to be able to pull all of the brands I have been working on since college under this umbrella. In December 2024, these brands would have been a GONNER had this massive ship not been saved by this lil ole crew. IT'S BADASS and I don't care what anyone says.
Switching gears, I hope this site feels somewhat legit now! I'm dropping new stuff here, and of course, you'll find links to our other brands! Many of which need tweaking, so please bear with me, and feel free to rip me for small errors on the site(s)! Ye be warned..
Closing thoughts..
Just weeks ago I was outsourcing my product photos for $45 a bundle, but funny enough, after just a single Saturday, I am narrowing down the workflow to a not have piece of shit set of photos! More points of feedback are always welcome, and maybe if you even need some photos done, just reach out and I'll be happy to show you my process with adobe apps! Super easy, just takes some muscle memory and consistency.
A penny saved is a penny earned, and that's FACTS. Maybe I'd call this a "2 Second Improvement." It's the Paul Akers standardized term for a micro improvement to the process. They come in a million shapes and sizes. From labeling a tool, to documenting the process of creating product photos to be done internally and swiftly.. Fun stuff!
The value you can add to a business of ANY kind in ANY industry WILL be recognized. Applying a little grit, elbow grease, and a can do attitude is largely absent in the workforce today, so be the difference maker within your team. Break the stigma of these younger generations. I stand by that.
Take care for now! Thanks for reading.
And remember,
Stack first... ball when the time is right.