In this episode of Profits on Purpose, host Nate Littlewood interviews Mehmet Can Ilker, co-founder of Ethnik Living, a successful home decor brand that started with minimal investment during the pandemic. Mehmet shares his journey from being an engineering student in Turkey to building a thriving e-commerce business focused on the US market. He discusses the challenges of bootstrapping, managing cash flow, navigating tariffs, and the importance of supplier relationships. The conversation also delves into the unique strategies Mehmet employed, such as creating a custom ERP system and maintaining a disciplined approach to finances. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of predictable revenue, effective customer acquisition, and the value of weekly finance meetings in driving business success.
Connect with Mehmet on LinekdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehmet-can-ilker-545978104/
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– Nate and the Profits on Purpose podcast team
Connect with Nathan Littlewood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanlittlewood/
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Welcome to the Profits on Purpose podcast, where we explore the journeys of purpose-led founders and the financial strategies that help them survive and thrive. Host Nate Littlewood sits down with eCommerce and CPG founders to unpack the real-life tension between a brand's mission and the practical realities of generating profit.
Each episode digs into the leadership insights and financial approaches that empower consumer products businesses to grow with clarity, resilience, and impact. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how visionary founders reconcile their purpose with the everyday demands of scaling a successful brand and leading with both mission and margin.
If you're a founder, finance leader, or simply navigating the purpose-profit paradox, this podcast is for you.