In this episode of Growth Mavericks, host Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane
— the Command Center for eCommerce profitability — sits down with Mark L. Fox, an aerospace engineer turned entrepreneur and health-tech innovator.
Mark shares his journey from Cocoa Beach, working on the Space Shuttle program, to pioneering energy therapy and heart rate variability (HRV) technology for healing PTSD, chronic pain, and stress. He discusses lessons from NASA, the realities of startup marketing, and how innovation, adaptability, and a 10x markup mindset shape business success.
Together, Adam and Mark explore the science of energy exchange, entrepreneurship under constraint, and the magic of turning complex ideas into real-world impact. From engineering rockets to re-engineering the human body, this is a masterclass in curiosity, resilience, and creative thinking.
👉 Learn more about Mark’s work at Resona Health
and grab his book What on Earth Are We Doing to Our Health?
👉 Learn more about Pentane’s real-time profit intelligence platform at www.pentane.com
💡 Key Takeaways
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – From Cocoa Beach to Aerospace Engineering
05:29 – Working on the Space Shuttle and NASA Contracts
11:05 – The Power of Marketing and the 10x Rule
17:07 – Transitioning from Aerospace to Health Tech
25:56 – Overcoming Adversity and Bootstrapping a Startup
33:48 – The Science Behind Energy Therapy
47:48 – Managing Stress and Heart Rate Variability
🔥 Sound Bites
🎧 Listen to more episodes of Growth Mavericks:
www.growthmaverickspodcast.com
In this special episode of Growth Mavericks, host Adam Callinan flips the mic on himself — re-airing his guest interview from EcommerceFuel
with Andrew Youderian. Together, they unpack a decade of lessons in building, selling, and reinventing how founders think about business, risk, and profitability.
Adam shares how fatherhood reshaped his approach to risk and time, why working 70-hour weeks crushed his soul, and how he and his partner built BottleKeeper to $60M in total sales with only six people - before selling the company.
They dive deep into the real math of profitability - why most e-commerce brands are guessing with their ad budgets, how discounting destroys margin, and how Adam’s latest SaaS company, Pentane.com
, helps founders finally connect marketing spend with financial performance.
Expect sharp insights on:
Episode Highlights:
Listen to Explore:
🎧 Growth Mavericks Podcast
🔥 EcommerceFuel with Andrew Youderian
In this episode of the Growth Mavericks Podcast, host Adam Callinan sits down with Alexandra Cristin, founder of Glam Seamless, to unpack an extraordinary journey — from growing up in poverty to building and selling an 8-figure eCommerce brand. Alexandra shares how she turned $1,500 and two shades of hair extensions into one of the most recognized online brands in the beauty space — without paid ads. She credits SEO, relentless content creation, and the power of constraints for forcing creative, profitable growth. After scaling Glam Seamless to over $10 million in annual revenue, Alexandra sold to private equity — and learned the hard way that staying on post-acquisition can drain even the most driven founder. From burnout to rebuilding her passion, she opens up about her biggest lessons on leadership, legacy, and self-restoration.
Adam and Alexandra also dive into:
If you’re an eCommerce founder or operator heading into Q4, this is the ultimate conversation about scaling sustainably — without losing yourself in the process.
🎧 Explore more at:
When COVID shut down retail, Eric Javits; a 35+ year luxury hat brand faced an existential crisis. With 98% of revenue tied to wholesale partners like Nordstrom, the business was on the verge of collapse. Enter Dario Markovic, who quickly launched a Shopify store, pivoted the company into e-commerce, and within weeks generated millions in online sales. Fast forward five years, and EricJavits.com now drives over $20 million annually in DTC revenue.
In this episode, host Adam Callinan dives deep with Dario on:
Whether you’re a founder, e-commerce operator, or just fascinated by brand turnarounds, this conversation is packed with insights on resilience, growth strategy, and building a modern legacy brand.
👉 Explore Eric Javits: www.ericjavits.com
👉 Explore Pentane: www.pentane.com
👉 Explore the Growth Mavericks Podcast: www.growthmaverickspodcast.com
In this episode, Adam Callinan and Jimmy Feman dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, grind culture, and the challenge of finding true balance in life. They share candid stories about personal projects, the ups and downs of working with a spouse, and how cultural perspectives shape the way we approach work and success. The discussion explores freedom versus wealth, the shifting landscape of direct-to-consumer strategies, and why embracing physical challenges can fuel mental resilience. Through real experiences and lessons learned, Adam and Jimmy emphasize the power of small wins, the need for systems that support sustainable growth, and the mindset shifts that keep founders moving forward.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Grit in Business
09:18 Navigating Competition and Staying Focused
12:23 Building Resilience and Overcoming Adversity
15:05 Finding Joy in Daily Habits
18:09 Work-Life Balance in Entrepreneurial Partnerships
21:07 The Dangers of Grind Culture
30:37 The Impact of Lifestyle Choices
36:46 Redefining Success and Freedom
42:27 Navigating Entrepreneurship Challenges
54:18 Building Resilience Through Physical Challenges
01:05:30 PodClose.mp4
https://nobakedcookiedough.com
https://pentane.com
In this conversation, Joe and Drew, the founders of SmearCase aka FroCo, share their journey of creating a high-protein frozen dessert alternative to ice cream. They discuss the challenges of launching a product in the retail space, the importance of networking, and the balance between speed and perfection in entrepreneurship. The founders emphasize the significance of authenticity in marketing and the need for resilience in the face of challenges. They also explore the iterative process of product development and the value of community engagement as they look to expand their brand.
Chapters
00:00
The Birth of FroCo: A Unique Ice Cream Concept
05:09
From Idea to Retail: The Journey of FroCo
07:53
Navigating the E-commerce Landscape for Frozen Products
11:06
Building Authentic Relationships in Business
14:01
Data-Driven Decisions: Tracking Success in Retail
16:41
Creating Viral Content: The Power of Authenticity
19:44
The Balance of Quality and Speed in Content Creation
24:36
Building a Brand and Community Moat
26:12
The Balance of Speed and Perfection
28:40
Defining 'Good Enough' in Entrepreneurship
32:34
The Importance of Iteration and Feedback
36:20
Finding Balance in Risk and Reward
38:20
Resilience and Personal Growth in Entrepreneurship
43:28
Continuous Learning and Diverse Perspectives
48:36
PodClose.mp4
https://smearcase.com
https://pentane.com
In this conversation, Mary Spio shares her remarkable journey from Ghana to becoming a deep space engineer and the founder of Ceek, a platform that integrates VR, AI, and digital twins for various applications, including education and healthcare. She discusses her innovative work in digital cinema, the evolution of Ceek, and the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Mary emphasizes the need for community support and the potential of technology to create meaningful connections and experiences.
https://www.pentane.com/
https://www.growthmaverickspodcast.com/
https://www.ceek.com/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:08 Education and Early Career
08:01 Inspiration and Military Experience
11:17 Transition to Aerospace and Technology Development
13:56 Founding Seek and Digital Cinema Innovations
17:02 Seek's Evolution and Applications
19:58 AI Integration and Digital Twins
23:46 Personalization and User Experience
26:49 Blockchain and Data Ownership
29:41 Challenges and Resilience in Entrepreneurship
32:41 Conclusion and Future Vision
In this conversation, Christian Bruhn shares his journey from a keg truck driver to a special operations soldier and then to an entrepreneur in the luxury watch industry. He discusses the challenges of transitioning from military life to civilian work, the motivation behind starting his own watch company, The Art of Time, and how his military experiences shaped his approach to entrepreneurship. Christian emphasizes the importance of discomfort, self-motivation, and the value of real human connections in a world increasingly influenced by AI. He also shares his future plans for live streaming and expanding his business.
www.growthmaverickspodcast.com
www.theartoftime.com
www.pentane.com
Chapters
00:00 From Military to Civilian Life: A Unique Journey
01:50 Embracing Discomfort: The Entrepreneurial Superpower
02:31 Introduction and Background
05:26 Military Journey and Transition
08:31 The Shift to Civilian Life
11:17 Starting a Watch Company
14:37 Challenges of Entrepreneurship
17:18 The Importance of Mentorship
21:12 Building the Art of Time
24:05 Future Plans and Live Streaming
27:22 The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship
30:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
42:16 PodClose.mp4
In this conversation, Joe Welstead, founder of DrinkOSHUN, shares his journey from professional swimmer to successful entrepreneur in the supplement and electrolyte industry. He reflects on the challenges he faced early in life, the lessons learned from building his previous venture, Motion Nutrition, and how he applied those insights to create a unique, health-focused approach to electrolytes with OSHUN. Joe dives into the role of mentorship, community building, and launching a profitable business from day one. He emphasizes how quality supplements and a clear health mission can fuel long-term business growth, proving that in entrepreneurship, a focus on consumer well-being beats hype-driven marketing.
https://drinkoshun.co/
www.pentane.com
www.growthmaverickspodcast.com
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 From Swimmer to Entrepreneur: The Journey Begins
13:56 Building Motion Nutrition: The Rise of a Supplement Brand
26:33 Product Focus: The Power of One with OSHUN
29:18 Community Engagement Before Launching OSHUN
33:02 The Importance of Early Feedback in Entrepreneurship
34:30 Leveraging Athletic Experience in Business Growth
37:32 Building a Strong Network for Mentorship
40:24 Profitability from Day One: OSHUN’s New Approach to Supplements
43:11 Creating a Sustainable Business Model in the Health Industry
46:14 PodClose.mp4
In this conversation, Adam Callinan and Shaira Frias discuss their experiences on Shark Tank, the journey of building Luna Magic, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They delve into the importance of mindset, self-care, and managing SKU counts in the beauty industry, while sharing valuable insights on navigating growth and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Chapters
00:00 Shark Tank Experience: A Shared Journey
12:27 The Birth of Luna Magic: From Idea to Reality
21:16 Navigating Opportunities: The Power of Saying Yes
25:22 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship
28:29 The Importance of Delegation
30:48 Seeking Mentorship and Guidance
32:31 Prioritizing Time Management
34:44 The Dangers of Burnout Culture
38:00 Managing SKU Counts in Beauty Brands
44:36 Finding Balance in Entrepreneurship
49:18 PodClose.mp4
In this conversation, Adam Callinan sits down with Jake Wood—Marine Corps scout sniper, founding chairman of Team Rubicon, and now Founder & CEO of Groundswell—to trace his path from the battlefield to building a global disaster‑response nonprofit and, most recently, a software venture. They unpack lessons in leadership, resilience, and the power of storytelling to drive impact, and explore how Jake’s hands‑on experiences shaped both Team Rubicon’s evolution and his new mission at Groundswell.
https://www.pentane.com/
https://www.groundswell.io/
https://teamrubiconusa.org/
Chapters
00:00 Team Rubicon: A Journey Through Adversity
11:17 The Evolution of Team Rubicon
20:33 Balancing Fatherhood and Entrepreneurship
21:42 Transitioning to Groundswell: Lessons Learned
26:05 Resilience in Adversity
36:39 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
37:58 Building Tech Businesses in Overlooked Areas
In this conversation, Amita Massey, founder of Glowbody, shares her inspiring journey from battling a severe eating disorder to creating a wellness brand focused on empowering women. She discusses the importance of mental health, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and her innovative approach to product development. Amita emphasizes the significance of self-care routines and maintaining a balance between personal life and business. The discussion also touches on the role of social media and data in understanding customer needs, as well as the evolving landscape of the supplement industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:05 Amita's Entrepreneurial Journey Begins
03:40 Overcoming Adversity: Amita's Personal Story
06:41 The Birth of Glowbody: From Struggles to Success
09:45 Navigating the Protein Powder Industry
12:24 Building a Brand: Direct to Consumer vs. Wholesale
15:20 The Challenges of Facebook Advertising
17:50 Understanding Customer Insights
19:20 Evolving Product Line and Innovation
22:54 Testing New Products and Customer Engagement
25:45 The Importance of Human Connection
27:16 Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies
28:26 Creating Non-Negotiables for Wellness
32:38 Finding Balance Beyond Business
37:34 Connecting with Amita and Her Journey
39:15 PodClose.mp4
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Featuring Glowbody.ca
In this conversation, Adam Callinan interviews Kevin Wohlman, the founder of Southern Scholar, a premium sock brand. They discuss Kevin's entrepreneurial journey, starting from his childhood experiences of selling candy and t-shirts to his transition from a Big Four accounting firm to launching his own business. The conversation delves into the challenges of growing an e-commerce brand, the importance of understanding metrics beyond vanity metrics, and the potential impact of AI on the industry. Kevin shares insights on resilience, work-life balance, and the lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey.
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GrowthMavericksPodcast.com
Takeaways:
Chapters
00:00The Simplicity and Complexity of Selling Socks
06:04From Accounting to Entrepreneurship: Kevin's Journey
10:32Early Entrepreneurial Ventures: T-Shirts and Skateboarding
14:56The Inflection Point: Transitioning from Side Hustle to Full-Time
19:06Navigating Growth and Cash Flow Challenges
23:58Reflecting on Business Strategy and Future Directions
29:43Understanding Vanity Metrics in Business
36:50Building Resilience: Intentional Challenges in Life
42:35Future Plans and Innovations at Southern Scholar
43:32PodClose.mp4
In this conversation, Adam Callinan interviews Emmanuel Kelly, a singer, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur who first rose to fame on The X Factor Australia, where his powerful voice and inspiring life story captured global attention. Born in Iraq and adopted by humanitarian Moira Kelly at the age of 7, Emmanuel overcame extraordinary odds, including being born without limbs due to chemical exposure. Today, he uses his platform to champion inclusion, inspire others through music and storytelling, and drive change as the founder of Outlyer Entertainment.
Powered by Pentane
GrowthMavericksPodcast.com
Emmanauel on X Factor
Takeaways
Emmanuel's story is a testament to resilience and hope.
The importance of love and support in overcoming adversity.
Self-love can be lost but can also be rediscovered.
Hitting rock bottom can lead to transformative change.
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Setting clear goals can help in achieving dreams.
Surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial for success.
Outlier Entertainment aims to change the narrative for differently abled individuals.
Commercial success can be achieved without compromising authenticity.
Finding balance between hard work and self-care is essential.
Chapters
03:34 Emmanuel's Journey: From Iraq to Australia
13:12 The Impact of Fame and Self-Love
18:32 Hitting Rock Bottom and Recovery
19:28 Hitting Rock Bottom and Seeking Help
21:50 The Journey of Rebuilding and Finding Purpose
25:13 The Power of Willpower and Determination
28:40 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth
34:11 From Orphanage to Stardom: The Musical Journey
39:32 Connecting with Coldplay: A Dream Realized
52:26 The Birth of Outlier: A New Vision for Inclusion
01:04:07 PodClose.mp4
Summary
In this conversation, Loren Bell shares his remarkable journey from 20 years in US Special Operations to the world of a startup. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned during his military career, including the rigorous training and mental resilience required in high-stress environments. Loren reflects on the transition to startup life, the risks involved, and the importance of perspective in navigating this new landscape. His insights on effort, attitude, and the value of experience provide a compelling narrative for anyone interested in the intersection of military service and entrepreneurship.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:16 Meeting at Big Sky Bravery
05:21 Early Life and Career Choices
05:55 Transition to the Air Force
08:35 Basic Training Challenges
10:10 First Experiences in Tactical Air Control
12:36 Becoming a JTAC
18:08 Rotations and Experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan
20:54 Transition to the Rangers
22:38 The Journey Begins: Embracing Challenges
26:48 Mental Resilience: Overcoming Adversity
32:42 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship: A New Frontier
41:12 Navigating Startup Risks: A Different Kind of Challenge
46:23 Parting Wisdom: Control What You Can
47:27 PodClose.mp4
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Summary
In this conversation, Malcolm Fontier shares his journey from product design to entrepreneurship, detailing the challenges and successes of launching PAKT, a travel gear brand. He discusses the importance of community engagement through crowdfunding, the resilience required to navigate business challenges, and the lessons learned from managing risk in both aviation and entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the significance of innovation, product design, and the vision for the future of PAKT.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Journey to PAKT
06:36 Crowdfunding Success and Strategy
12:47 Celebrating Success and Company Culture
14:10 Creating Compelling Crowdfunding Content
15:48 The Importance of Storytelling in Marketing
17:27 Navigating Challenges in Business Growth
42:09 Connecting Entrepreneurship with Personal Growth
42:40 PodClose.mp4
Keywords
growth experts, marketing strategies, startup success, organic growth, advertising pitfalls, B2C marketing, founder resilience, personal development, health optimization, business insights, eCommerce
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GrowthMavericksPodcast.com
https://paktbags.com/
In this conversation, Adam Callinan and Andrew Startups delve into the intricacies of marketing and growth strategies for startups. Andrew shares his journey from founding a startup in college to establishing GrowthExpertz.com, a company dedicated to helping businesses optimize their marketing efforts. They discuss the common pitfalls startups face, particularly the tendency to jump into advertising without a solid marketing foundation. The conversation also touches on the importance of organic growth, the challenges of paid media, and the personal resilience required to navigate the startup landscape. Andrew emphasizes the need for founders to maintain a healthy work-life balance and invest in their personal development to achieve long-term success.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
04:30 The Evolution of Marketing Strategies
07:37 Understanding Marketing Foundations
10:27 Identifying Ideal Clients
13:09 Current Trends in B2C Marketing
15:55 The Importance of Organic Growth
18:48 Reflections on Paid Media and Business Growth
20:59 The Shift in Social Media Marketing
26:02 Building Resilience as a Founder
30:10 The Importance of Supportive Relationships
32:38 Mental and Physical Health Strategies for Founders
37:12 Parting Words and Resources for Founders
39:00 PodClose.mp4
Keywords
growth experts, marketing strategies, startup success, organic growth, advertising pitfalls, B2C marketing, founder resilience, personal development, health optimization, business insights, eCommerce
Powered by Pentane
Summary
In this episode of the Growth Mavericks podcast, Adam Callinan interviews Milan Martin, founder and CEO of Free Spirits, a company that offers non-alcoholic alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Milan shares his journey of creating Free Spirits, the challenges of building a brand in a competitive market, and the importance of embracing discomfort in entrepreneurship. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of alcohol consumption, the significance of e-commerce in business growth, and the strategies for customer acquisition and brand building. Milan emphasizes the need for sustainability in business practices and the positive shift in societal perceptions towards non-alcoholic options.
https://drinkfreespirits.com/
https://www.pentane.com/
https://www.growthmaverickspodcast.com/
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Background
01:55
The Rise of Free Spirits and Its Mission
03:34
Personal Journey and Insights on Alcohol Consumption
07:17
Business Development and E-commerce Strategy
11:48
Brand Building and Customer Acquisition
15:41
The Importance of Direct-to-Consumer Strategies
17:44
Navigating Early Business Challenges
19:32
Sustainable Growth vs. Blitzscaling
21:03
Turning Negatives into Positives
24:45
Building Mental Durability
28:53
Creating a Durable Business Model
31:36
The Future of Non-Alcoholic Spirits
In this episode of Growth Mavericks, Cal Arnold shares his journey from growing up in a remote area of Minnesota to building a successful business in log home restoration. He discusses the importance of overcoming adversity and the lessons learned from his experiences, including a life-changing plane crash that led to the amputation of his left leg. Cal emphasizes the importance and value of discomfort in personal growth and the necessity of resilience in entrepreneurship.
Takeaways
Growing up in a unique environment shaped my perspective.
Work ethic was instilled in me from a young age.
Entrepreneurship requires resilience and adaptability.
Embracing discomfort leads to personal growth.
Overcoming adversity can fuel motivation and strength.
Building a business involves navigating challenges and leadership.
It's essential to develop processes and empower your team.
Busy is often mistaken for productive; focus on quality work.
Adversity can lead to significant life changes and growth.
Surround yourself with the right people to succeed.
Chapters
00:00 Cal's Unique Upbringing and Early Work Ethic
04:44 The Evolution of BTI: From Struggles to Success
10:15 Taking Control: Transforming the Business
14:46 Lessons Learned: Hiring and Company Values
19:25 The Importance of Reflection and Space
21:18 Busy vs. Productive: A Mindset Shift
23:22 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
27:16 Overcoming Adversity: The Plane Crash Story
38:15 Lessons from Adversity and the Path to Resilience
Find Cal at https://BTILoghomecare.com
This episode is Powered by https://Pentane.com
In this episode, we dive into the life and career of Kevin Conway, a professional GT4 race car driver who is also the entrepreneur behind Phoozy, a tech-driven consumer product designed to protect electronic devices from extreme temperatures that is now used in space missions and inside F35 fighter jets. The discussion spans topics from the inception and challenges of Phoozy, navigating the retail landscape, the impact of a Shark Tank appearance, and the story of the company's early traction and PR strategies. The conversation also covers insights into blending physical and mental preparation from the racing world into business, the significance of maintaining clarity and focus, and the importance of relentless execution in both fields. The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes about meeting industry partners and the similarities between racing and entrepreneurship.
Growth Mavericks is powered by Pentane, the financial and advertising command center for consumer brands.
Do you know if your company is profitable day to day? Do you know how to set an ad budget that gets the company to break even or beyond? Do you know what contribution margin is and why it is the magical metric for a brand? If you answered no to any or all of these, you need Pentane, the financial and advertising command center for brands. Pentane will tell you exactly how to get to breakeven or beyond based on the data inside of your company. Learn more at Pentane.com and use code "growth" to save a $100 off your first month.