The Principled Entrepreneur

While politicians debate tariff policy, small business owners like Nate Harrison are watching shipments sit in Chinese factories, calculating whether a 145% tariff makes their business viable. , the President of Phoenix Innovation - a custom poultry processing equipment manufacturer - pulls back the curtain on what tariffs actually mean for American entrepreneurs.

- What tariffs actually are and how they stack (it's not what most people think)
- The real-world impact: shipments held in China, down payments at risk, pricing decisions
- Why a manufacturer might LOVE and HATE tariffs at the same time
- The 6-month timeline businesses are working with before the pressure becomes critical
- How China exploits tariff loopholes through assembly vs. manufacturing distinctions
- Why intellectual property protection is at the heart of the tariff battle
- The "convenience cost" Americans pay - and how it relates to trade policy
- Three book recommendations for business leaders: Love Works, Fearless, and Extreme Ownership

- 00:00 - Introduction and why tariffs matter now
- 01:30 - Meet Nate Harrison, Phoenix Innovation
- 05:30 - What is a tariff? Breaking down the basics
- 08:53 - The imbalance: 6% vs 20%+ tariff rates
- 10:01 - Vietnam's 90% import tariff revealed
- 14:35 - The 6-month pressure timeline for businesses
- 15:30 - Shipments held in China: Real stakes for small business
- 21:39 - $439 billion from China: The scale of trade
- 22:09 - Are tariffs good or bad? The nuanced answer
- 23:01 - Intellectual property and patent protection
- 28:42 - Kevin O'Leary's 400% tariff argument
- 35:32 - Why Arkansas is competitive for manufacturing
- 39:24 - Consumer convenience vs. costs
- 41:27 - Book recommendations for business leaders
- 44:04 - Leadership lessons: Leading up and down

Nate Harrison is the President of Phoenix Innovation, a custom poultry processing equipment manufacturer based in Arkansas. His company supplies equipment to major brands including Costco. Nate deals with tariff implications daily and holds patents in the industry.

Caleb and Jody Moore host The Principled Entrepreneur podcast, bringing real conversations with business owners about the challenges and principles that drive success.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Episode 5
00:21 - Welcome Nate Harrison from Phoenix Innovation
01:30 - Phoenix Innovation: Custom Poultry Processing Equipment
03:30 - Why Small Businesses Are Watching Tariff Negotiations
05:30 - What Is a Tariff? Basic Definition
07:00 - How Tariffs Hit the Importing Business
08:53 - The Tariff Imbalance: US vs Other Countries
10:01 - Vietnam's 90% Import Tariff Example
14:35 - How Long Can Americans Absorb Higher Prices?
15:30 - Shipments Held in China: Down Payments at Risk
18:00 - The 4-6 Month Decision Window
21:39 - $439 Billion in Goods from China
22:09 - Are Tariffs Good or Bad for Business?
23:01 - Patent Protection and Intellectual Property
28:42 - Kevin O'Leary's 400% Tariff Argument
30:00 - Million Dollar Ideas vs Implementation
35:00 - Why Arkansas Works for Manufacturing
39:24 - Consumer Convenience and Its True Cost
40:16 - What If We Shipped by Rail Again?
41:10 - The Anxious Generation: Parenting Detour
41:27 - Book Recommendation 1: Love Works by Joel Manby
42:16 - Book Recommendation 2: Fearless (Adam Brown)
42:52 - Book Recommendation 3: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
44:04 - Leadership: Leading Up and Down the Chain
44:27 - Wrap-Up and Thanks

What is The Principled Entrepreneur?

The Principled Entrepreneur is where real entrepreneurs share the principles, values, and grit that carried them through the toughest seasons to their greatest successes. Hosted by husband-and-wife team Caleb and Jodi Moore, we uncover authentic, relatable stories that prove you’re not stuck and you’re not alone. Whether you’re in a body shop, behind a desk, or chasing a dream, each episode will fuel your hope, strengthen your grit, and remind you to keep going — no matter what.