What happens when you build an 8-figure business in one of the most taboo industries - without a team, funding, or traditional ad channels?
Brian Sloan did exactly that. And in this episode, he reveals the unfiltered story behind his wild entrepreneurial path. Jim sits down with Brian Sloan, founder of AutoBlow, to unpack how he built a global DTC sex toy brand that now generates 8 figures annually - with a team of just two.
From eBay auctions to viral PR stunts, Brian shares how his unconventional path, deep product focus, and scrappy tactics helped him thrive in a space where Facebook ads and mainstream visibility were off-limits. This conversation pulls back the curtain on manufacturing, media manipulation, brand building, and what it really takes to scale when the rules don’t apply to your category.
Key Topics Covered:
- How Brian went from selling antiques to latex fetishwear to inventing AutoBlow
- The viral crowdfunding stunt that made him internet-famous overnight
- Why he ditched Amazon - even after major sales
- How to get on GQ, Playboy, Howard Stern, and more without a PR team
- The power of press-worthy product ideas
- Why focus (on just 2 SKUs) was his biggest growth unlock
- Building a lean team using a global network of niche freelancers
If you’re building in DTC and feel like you’re drowning in overhead or noise, this episode is a masterclass in focus, edge, and unconventional growth.
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What would you do if you were starting today? To help, here are half-baked startup ideas, growth marketing tactics, and stories from founders and creators - including my own journey as a bootstrapped business owner. All of the content is centered around helping founders, creators, and investors starting today.