In 2021, my friends and I were sitting in an entrepreneurship class with a simple idea: a MagSafe retainer case that actually looked good.

We had no money, no manufacturers, no clue what we were doing.

Here's what nobody tells you about starting a physical product business:

1. Your first sample will be wrong. Budget for 3-5 rounds of sampling before you're happy. This is the process — not a failure.

2. MOQs are negotiable. Most beginners think the minimum order quantity is locked. It's not. Show manufacturers a real brand vision and they'll work with you.

3. The packaging IS the product. Unboxing is your first post-purchase touchpoint. We spent 3x more time on packaging than expected — and it paid off.

4. Launch on one channel before expanding. We went deep on TikTok before touching anything else. Master one distribution channel first.

5. Cash flow will surprise you. You pay for inventory before you get paid. Model this early or it will blindside you.

We built HoldMate into a real brand starting from nothing. Now I help other founders do the same through Physical Founder — a free community where you can ask me anything.

Come ask your question. I'm in there daily.