The Call

I got good feedback from her and sent her 2 boxes of our new formulation.

She loved the Boostcous story and the personal touch.

The Result

She immediately updated to a 5-star review.

The Lesson

Pick up the phone. That's it. A real conversation can turn your biggest critics into your biggest fans.

Most founders hide behind email templates and automated responses. But there's no substitute for a genuine human conversation. When someone takes the time to leave feedback, they're telling you they care enough to speak up.

Next time you see a negative review, don't panic. Pick up the phone.

The Call

I got good feedback from her and sent her 2 boxes of our new formulation.

She loved the Boostcous story and the personal touch.

The Result

She immediately updated to a 5-star review.

The Lesson

Pick up the phone. That's it. A real conversation can turn your biggest critics into your biggest fans.

Most founders hide behind email templates and automated responses. But there's no substitute for a genuine human conversation. When someone takes the time to leave feedback, they're telling you they care enough to speak up.

Next time you see a negative review, don't panic. Pick up the phone.

Two Years

I started working on this idea 2 years ago. And that "idea" was bought by over 600 people in a weekend.

We still have a long way to go. But it's good to take a sec and celebrate the small wins.

Just Start

If you're just getting started or sitting on a side project, I hope you see this and realize that anything is possible if you just start.

We live in a world where you can get started in a weekend and have AI make your photos, build your website, etc.

Keep Going

Keep getting boosted fam. If you're working on something of your own, remember that every big milestone starts with showing up and putting in the work.

Two years ago, Boostcous was just an idea. Now it's a product that 600+ people bought in a single weekend.

Connect with me if you want to chat about side projects. Or visit our website by clicking here.

Two Years

I started working on this idea 2 years ago. And that "idea" was bought by over 600 people in a weekend.

We still have a long way to go. But it's good to take a sec and celebrate the small wins.

Just Start

If you're just getting started or sitting on a side project, I hope you see this and realize that anything is possible if you just start.

We live in a world where you can get started in a weekend and have AI make your photos, build your website, etc.

Keep Going

Keep getting boosted fam. If you're working on something of your own, remember that every big milestone starts with showing up and putting in the work.

Two years ago, Boostcous was just an idea. Now it's a product that 600+ people bought in a single weekend.

Connect with me if you want to chat about side projects. Or visit our website by clicking here.

Growing Fast

We watched this channel take more and more share of wallet over time. For some brands, mobile game advertising climbed to 15% of their attribution. That kind of growth demanded our attention.

New Partnership

Today, we're excited to announce a KnoCommerce partnership with Axon Ads Manager by AppLovin. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for brands looking to understand and optimize their mobile game advertising spend. If you want to dive deeper into AppLovin's potential, check out The AppLovin Report Hedge Funds Wanted.

What's Next

Mobile games have proven themselves as a legitimate acquisition channel. With post-purchase survey data showing consistent growth, brands now have a clear path to measure and scale their efforts in this space. As we continue building new features that generate real demand, partnerships like this one help us serve brands better.

The key takeaway: mobile game advertising is no longer a fringe channel. It's taking real share of wallet, and now there's a way to track and optimize it through post-purchase surveys.

This partnership between KnoCommerce and AppLovin's Axon Ads Manager brings together attribution insights and advertising capabilities in a meaningful way.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this integration can help your brand.

Growing Fast

We watched this channel take more and more share of wallet over time. For some brands, mobile game advertising climbed to 15% of their attribution. That kind of growth demanded our attention.

New Partnership

Today, we're excited to announce a KnoCommerce partnership with Axon Ads Manager by AppLovin. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for brands looking to understand and optimize their mobile game advertising spend. If you want to dive deeper into AppLovin's potential, check out The AppLovin Report Hedge Funds Wanted.

What's Next

Mobile games have proven themselves as a legitimate acquisition channel. With post-purchase survey data showing consistent growth, brands now have a clear path to measure and scale their efforts in this space. As we continue building new features that generate real demand, partnerships like this one help us serve brands better.

The key takeaway: mobile game advertising is no longer a fringe channel. It's taking real share of wallet, and now there's a way to track and optimize it through post-purchase surveys.

This partnership between KnoCommerce and AppLovin's Axon Ads Manager brings together attribution insights and advertising capabilities in a meaningful way.

Stay tuned for more updates on how this integration can help your brand.

Just completed my order and saw this:

• Tiny font
• Old school long bubble response options
• Buried after the order confirmation

Stop Settling

You don't have to use my company. But please stop using post-purchase surveys that aren't optimized for response.

When you ignore this stuff, you're not just "missing a few responses."

Data You're Losing

You're leaving business-defining insights on the table:

• Which channels actually drive net-new customers
• What messages are landing with buyers, not just clickers
• What objections are silently killing conversion
• Where to expand next (product lines, flavors, bundles, markets)

Cheapest Data

In a world where paid is expensive and tracking is garbage, this is the cheapest data you'll ever buy.

These insights can shape everything from your marketing strategy to your lessons learned in DTC. They help you understand what's working and where to invest next. If you want to see how features like this can generate leads before launch, the answer often starts with better data collection.

Stop leaving money on the table. Optimize your post-purchase surveys for response and start capturing the insights that define your business.

Just completed my order and saw this:

• Tiny font
• Old school long bubble response options
• Buried after the order confirmation

Stop Settling

You don't have to use my company. But please stop using post-purchase surveys that aren't optimized for response.

When you ignore this stuff, you're not just "missing a few responses."

Data You're Losing

You're leaving business-defining insights on the table:

• Which channels actually drive net-new customers
• What messages are landing with buyers, not just clickers
• What objections are silently killing conversion
• Where to expand next (product lines, flavors, bundles, markets)

Cheapest Data

In a world where paid is expensive and tracking is garbage, this is the cheapest data you'll ever buy.

These insights can shape everything from your marketing strategy to your lessons learned in DTC. They help you understand what's working and where to invest next. If you want to see how features like this can generate leads before launch, the answer often starts with better data collection.

Stop leaving money on the table. Optimize your post-purchase surveys for response and start capturing the insights that define your business.

2025 was the best year of my life. And simultaneously, the worst. If you’re a founder reading this, you probably know exactly what that paradox feels like: the kind of year that looks incredible on LinkedIn but feels unsustainable in your body.

I bought a house. Remodeled the entire basement myself. Started dating the love of my life, Meghan. A relationship that fundamentally changed how I see everything. Boostcous went from idea to real brand with real sales on real shelves. KnoCommerce had one of our best years yet.

On paper, 2025 looks like a “crushing it” year. The kind people screenshot and brag about in founder forums and startup Twitter threads.

But here’s the part that didn’t make it into any highlight reel.

The Hidden Cost of Hustle Culture

I broke my back. Spent three months on crutches. During this time, I slid into the worst shape of my life. Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy with the constant chatter of unresolved stress.

And instead of slowing down (instead of listening to what my body was literally screaming at me), I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks became my normal. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in that blur of Slack notifications and growth metrics, “Bar the human” quietly got replaced by “Bar the founder.” My entire identity collapsed into a series of business questions:

• How’s MRR?
• How’s the launch?
• How are Shopify sales?
• What’s the next thing?

It’s the same story a lot of us are living. We just don’t usually post about it. We share the wins, the funding rounds, the product launches, but rarely the cost of achieving them.

When Your Body Forces You to Listen

Breaking my back wasn’t just a physical injury. It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore, no matter how many browser tabs I had open.

Physical pain has a way of cutting through the noise of ambition. When you’re on crutches, you can’t pretend everything’s fine. You can’t hustle through it. You’re forced to confront the reality that you’re a human being with limitations, not just a productivity machine designed to hit quarterly targets.

The irony? While my body was breaking down, my businesses were growing. Which created a dangerous feedback loop: if growth is happening while I’m destroying myself, maybe that’s just the price of success?

That’s the lie we tell ourselves in startup culture. That burnout is a badge of honor. That self-sacrifice equals dedication. That if you’re not working 100-hour weeks, you’re not serious about your vision.

Redefining Success: My 2026 Framework

So going into 2026, I’m done optimizing only for revenue. I’m done treating my body like it’s an obstacle to productivity instead of the foundation that makes everything else possible.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the fake “work-life balance” we put on investor slides. Not the performative self-care that’s really just another productivity hack. Actual, nervous-system-level balance that prioritizes sustainable human performance over unsustainable business metrics.

For me, that looks like a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week. Skiing, biking, hiking, whatever it takes to reconnect with my body in natural spaces where there’s no WiFi and no metrics to track.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week. I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury. Recovery isn’t just about healing; it’s about building resilience.
• Meditate 4 days per week. Just 10 minutes of not solving problems. Not optimizing. Not strategizing. Just being.

That’s it. Three simple commitments that aren’t about business growth. They’re about human sustainability.

The Math That Actually Matters

Here’s what I’ve realized: if I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue to grow. But I won’t. Not in any meaningful sense.

And that’s not a trade I’m willing to make again.

The math is simple but easy to forget when you’re deep in founder mode: A burned-out founder eventually becomes a bottleneck to the business they’re trying to grow. Sustainable business growth requires a sustainable founder.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t lead from a depleted nervous system. You can’t make clear strategic decisions when your body is in chronic stress mode.

Lessons From Both Sides of the Year

So yes, 2025 was the best and worst year of my life. And I’m genuinely grateful for both sides.

The wins showed me what’s possible. They proved that I can build meaningful businesses, create real value, and attract incredible people like Meghan into my life. They demonstrated that the vision I have for my companies isn’t just a fantasy. It’s achievable.

But the pain showed me what’s not sustainable. It revealed the hidden costs of relentless ambition without boundaries. It taught me that success without health isn’t really success at all. It’s just delayed failure.

Both lessons are equally valuable. The wins without the pain would have made me arrogant. The pain without the wins would have made me bitter. Together, they created the clarity I needed to move forward differently.

Earlier this year, I spent 18 days completely offline on a river trip. I wrote about that experience in 18 Days Offline.

Moving Forward: Same Ambition, Different Approach

Next year, I’m bringing the same ambition. The same companies. The same problems to solve. The same vision for what Boostcous and KnoCommerce can become.

But I’m approaching those challenges as a whole human being, not just a founder. I’m bringing balance into how I tackle those problems.

This isn’t about working less hard. It’s about working more sustainably. It’s about recognizing that the most valuable asset in my business isn’t my technology stack, my marketing strategy, or even my product. It’s me. And if I don’t take care of that asset, everything else eventually falls apart.

To every founder reading this who resonates with the “best and worst year” paradox: you’re not alone. The pressure to constantly optimize, grow, and scale is real. But so are your human limitations.

It's also why I started hosting DTSki, a chance to connect with other founders who understand this struggle.

Balance isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s choosing to build a business that can last because you’ve built a life that can sustain it.

Here’s to 2026: may it be a year of sustainable growth, for our businesses and ourselves.

2025 was the best year of my life. And simultaneously, the worst. If you’re a founder reading this, you probably know exactly what that paradox feels like—the kind of year that looks incredible on LinkedIn but feels unsustainable in your body.

I bought a house. Remodeled the entire basement myself. Started dating the love of my life, Meghan—a relationship that fundamentally changed how I see everything. Boostcous went from idea to real brand with real sales on real shelves. KnoCommerce had one of our best years yet.

On paper, 2025 looks like a “crushing it” year. The kind people screenshot and brag about in founder forums and startup Twitter threads.

But here’s the part that didn’t make it into any highlight reel.

The Hidden Cost of Hustle Culture

I broke my back. Spent three months on crutches. During this time, I slid into the worst shape of my life. Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy with the constant chatter of unresolved stress.

And instead of slowing down—instead of listening to what my body was literally screaming at me—I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks became my normal. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in that blur of Slack notifications and growth metrics, “Bar the human” quietly got replaced by “Bar the founder.” My entire identity collapsed into a series of business questions:

• How’s MRR?
• How’s the launch?
• How are Shopify sales?
• What’s the next thing?

It’s the same story a lot of us are living. We just don’t usually post about it. We share the wins, the funding rounds, the product launches—but rarely the cost of achieving them.

When Your Body Forces You to Listen

Breaking my back wasn’t just a physical injury. It was a wake-up call I couldn’t ignore, no matter how many browser tabs I had open.

Physical pain has a way of cutting through the noise of ambition. When you’re on crutches, you can’t pretend everything’s fine. You can’t hustle through it. You’re forced to confront the reality that you’re a human being with limitations, not just a productivity machine designed to hit quarterly targets.

The irony? While my body was breaking down, my businesses were growing. Which created a dangerous feedback loop: if growth is happening while I’m destroying myself, maybe that’s just the price of success?

That’s the lie we tell ourselves in startup culture. That burnout is a badge of honor. That self-sacrifice equals dedication. That if you’re not working 100-hour weeks, you’re not serious about your vision.

Redefining Success: My 2026 Framework

So going into 2026, I’m done optimizing only for revenue. I’m done treating my body like it’s an obstacle to productivity instead of the foundation that makes everything else possible.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the fake “work-life balance” we put on investor slides. Not the performative self-care that’s really just another productivity hack. Actual, nervous-system-level balance that prioritizes sustainable human performance over unsustainable business metrics.

For me, that looks like a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week. Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes to reconnect with my body in natural spaces where there’s no WiFi and no metrics to track.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week. I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury. Recovery isn’t just about healing; it’s about building resilience.
• Meditate 4 days per week. Just 10 minutes of not solving problems. Not optimizing. Not strategizing. Just being.

That’s it. Three simple commitments that aren’t about business growth—they’re about human sustainability.

The Math That Actually Matters

Here’s what I’ve realized: if I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue to grow. But I won’t. Not in any meaningful sense.

And that’s not a trade I’m willing to make again.

The math is simple but easy to forget when you’re deep in founder mode: A burned-out founder eventually becomes a bottleneck to the business they’re trying to grow. Sustainable business growth requires a sustainable founder.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. You can’t lead from a depleted nervous system. You can’t make clear strategic decisions when your body is in chronic stress mode.

Lessons From Both Sides of the Year

So yes, 2025 was the best and worst year of my life. And I’m genuinely grateful for both sides.

The wins showed me what’s possible. They proved that I can build meaningful businesses, create real value, and attract incredible people like Meghan into my life. They demonstrated that the vision I have for my companies isn’t just a fantasy—it’s achievable.

But the pain showed me what’s not sustainable. It revealed the hidden costs of relentless ambition without boundaries. It taught me that success without health isn’t really success at all—it’s just delayed failure.

Both lessons are equally valuable. The wins without the pain would have made me arrogant. The pain without the wins would have made me bitter. Together, they created the clarity I needed to move forward differently.

Earlier this year, I spent 18 days completely offline on a river trip. I wrote about that experience in 18 Days Offline.

Moving Forward: Same Ambition, Different Approach

Next year, I’m bringing the same ambition. The same companies. The same problems to solve. The same vision for what Boostcous and KnoCommerce can become.

But I’m approaching those challenges as a whole human being, not just a founder. I’m bringing balance into how I tackle those problems.

This isn’t about working less hard. It’s about working more sustainably. It’s about recognizing that the most valuable asset in my business isn’t my technology stack, my marketing strategy, or even my product—it’s me. And if I don’t take care of that asset, everything else eventually falls apart.

To every founder reading this who resonates with the “best and worst year” paradox: you’re not alone. The pressure to constantly optimize, grow, and scale is real. But so are your human limitations.

It's also why I started hosting DTSki—a chance to connect with other founders who understand this struggle.

Balance isn’t weakness. It’s wisdom. It’s choosing to build a business that can last because you’ve built a life that can sustain it.

Here’s to 2026—may it be a year of sustainable growth, for our businesses and ourselves.

It is how everything I do connects.

My Flywheel

I am the general manager at Kno Commerce.

That gives me access to 6,500 Shopify brands and some of the best direct-to-consumer operators.

I interview those operators on my podcast.

Learn from them, and share it with the community.

I take those learnings and apply them to Boostcous.

The brand I just launched.

Running Boostcous puts me in the operator’s shoes.

That makes me better at building Kno’s product.

And once a year, I bring operators together at DTSki in Aspen.

Kno to Podcast to Boostcous to DTSki to Kno.

Every piece feeds the next.

Real Example

Here is a real example:

Chad from Grüns reached out to onboard Kno 3 years ago as he was kicking off his company.

Invited him to DTSki.

His now Chief Marketing Officer, Connor, came on the podcast.

I learned from both of them and applied those learnings to launch Boostcous.

Bonus: Connor is now a customer of Boost.

Now, our product roadmap at Kno is built to help the Grüns of the world get the most value from their customer data.

One connection, compounds everywhere.

That is the flywheel.

Not Linear

Here is what I have learned:

The best career moves are not linear.

They are circular.

Most people think a career is a ladder.

Do this, then do that, then do the next thing.

But the real unlock is when everything you do makes everything else better.

Your job teaches you something.

You share it.

That builds relationships.

Those relationships open doors.

Those doors make you better at your job.

Nothing is wasted.

Everything compounds.

The Question

It took me 10 years to figure this out.

If you are building something, ask yourself:

How does this feed everything else I am doing?

If it does not connect, maybe it is not the right move.

Conclusion

The best careers are not linear, they are circular.

When everything you do feeds into everything else, nothing is wasted, and everything compounds.

Ask yourself if what you are building connects to the rest of your work.

Follow me on LinkedIn or my podcast for more.

It is how everything I do connects.

My Flywheel

I am the general manager at Kno Commerce.

That gives me access to 6,500 Shopify brands and some of the best direct-to-consumer operators.

I interview those operators on my podcast.

Learn from them, and share it with the community.

I take those learnings and apply them to Boostcous.

The brand I just launched.

Running Boostcous puts me in the operator’s shoes.

That makes me better at building Kno’s product.

And once a year, I bring operators together at DTSki in Aspen.

Kno to Podcast to Boostcous to DTSki to Kno.

Every piece feeds the next.

Real Example

Here is a real example:

Chad from Grüns reached out to onboard Kno 3 years ago as he was kicking off his company.

Invited him to DTSki.

His now Chief Marketing Officer, Connor, came on the podcast.

I learned from both of them and applied those learnings to launch Boostcous.

Bonus: Connor is now a customer of Boost.

Now, our product roadmap at Kno is built to help the Grüns of the world get the most value from their customer data.

One connection, compounds everywhere.

That is the flywheel.

Not Linear

Here is what I have learned:

The best career moves are not linear.

They are circular.

Most people think a career is a ladder.

Do this, then do that, then do the next thing.

But the real unlock is when everything you do makes everything else better.

Your job teaches you something.

You share it.

That builds relationships.

Those relationships open doors.

Those doors make you better at your job.

Nothing is wasted.

Everything compounds.

The Question

It took me 10 years to figure this out.

If you are building something, ask yourself:

How does this feed everything else I am doing?

If it does not connect, maybe it is not the right move.

Conclusion

The best careers are not linear, they are circular.

When everything you do feeds into everything else, nothing is wasted, and everything compounds.

Ask yourself if what you are building connects to the rest of your work.

Follow me on LinkedIn or my podcast for more.

That was my "welcome to Aspen" moment.

I did not know anyone.

I did not really know what I was doing.

I definitely did not know how it would all play out.

I just knew I wanted to be here.

So I found a room in a trailer on Facebook and said yes.

Fast Forward

Fast forward to this week.

My phone buzzes.

It is her, Louisa.

She is texting me about Boostcous because we were just featured on the front page of the Aspen Times.

Same Aspen Valley.

Same woman.

Completely different chapter.

Full Circle

Full circle moment.

What you do not see in that newspaper photo:

• The weird Facebook DMs trying to find a place to live
• The first lonely winter, wondering if I had made a stupid decision
• The quiet days of building, testing, and second-guessing
• The "is this going to work?" conversations in my own head

You just see a finished package of protein couscous on page 1.

But for me, it is: "Remember when you moved into my trailer and had no idea what you were doing here? Look at you now."

That is what her text felt like.

The Trailer Phase

I am sharing this for anyone in their own "trailer phase" right now, where the decision does not make sense on paper, where people raise an eyebrow, and where the vision is clear but the plan is blurry.

Sometimes the most important part is not having it all mapped out.

It is saying yes.

Showing up.

Staying long enough for the full circle moment to find you.

Keep Going

If you are in that weird in-between right now, I see you.

Keep going.

And Happy Thanksgiving. Do not forget why we do all this.

Spend quality time with the people you love.

Conclusion

The journey from moving into a stranger's trailer to seeing my company on the front page of the Aspen Times taught me that success is not about having everything figured out.

It is about saying yes, showing up, and staying long enough for the full circle moments to happen.

Follow me on LinkedIn or check out Boostcous for more.

That was my "welcome to Aspen" moment.

I did not know anyone.

I did not really know what I was doing.

I definitely did not know how it would all play out.

I just knew I wanted to be here.

So I found a room in a trailer on Facebook and said yes.

Fast Forward

Fast forward to this week.

My phone buzzes.

It is her, Louisa.

She is texting me about Boostcous because we were just featured on the front page of the Aspen Times.

Same Aspen Valley.

Same woman.

Completely different chapter.

Full Circle

Full circle moment.

What you do not see in that newspaper photo:

• The weird Facebook DMs trying to find a place to live
• The first lonely winter, wondering if I had made a stupid decision
• The quiet days of building, testing, and second-guessing
• The "is this going to work?" conversations in my own head

You just see a finished package of protein couscous on page 1.

But for me, it is: "Remember when you moved into my trailer and had no idea what you were doing here? Look at you now."

That is what her text felt like.

The Trailer Phase

I am sharing this for anyone in their own "trailer phase" right now, where the decision does not make sense on paper, where people raise an eyebrow, and where the vision is clear but the plan is blurry.

Sometimes the most important part is not having it all mapped out.

It is saying yes.

Showing up.

Staying long enough for the full circle moment to find you.

Keep Going

If you are in that weird in-between right now, I see you.

Keep going.

And Happy Thanksgiving. Do not forget why we do all this.

Spend quality time with the people you love.

Conclusion

The journey from moving into a stranger's trailer to seeing my company on the front page of the Aspen Times taught me that success is not about having everything figured out.

It is about saying yes, showing up, and staying long enough for the full circle moments to happen.

Follow me on LinkedIn or check out Boostcous for more.

Protein couscous called Boostcous.

Two years ago, I made a promise to myself: launch my own brand by 35.

Today I kept that promise.

The Journey

What the last 2 years looked like:

• Started in my kitchen, making small batches on nights and weekends
• Ran Kno full-time while testing recipes every night
• Found a co-manufacturer to partner with on production

Two years of nights and weekends to get here.

And this experience has been humbling as hell.

Walking the Talk

I have spent 10 years advising DTC brands.

Now I finally get to walk the talk.

I am using Kno to track everything.

Customer attribution, persona building, creative angles.

Building in Public

And I am building this completely in public.

Real lessons on what works and what does not.

Kno is still my top priority, and we have got some exciting releases coming soon.

But now I get to build Boostcous alongside the DTC community.

Get Involved

If you want to grab a box: Boostcous.com

And if you are building something, drop it below. Let us do this together.

Here is to keeping promises.

Follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates.

Protein couscous called Boostcous.

Two years ago, I made a promise to myself: launch my own brand by 35.

Today I kept that promise.

The Journey

What the last 2 years looked like:

• Started in my kitchen, making small batches on nights and weekends
• Ran Kno full-time while testing recipes every night
• Found a co-manufacturer to partner with on production

Two years of nights and weekends to get here.

And this experience has been humbling as hell.

Walking the Talk

I have spent 10 years advising DTC brands.

Now I finally get to walk the talk.

I am using Kno to track everything.

Customer attribution, persona building, creative angles.

Building in Public

And I am building this completely in public.

Real lessons on what works and what does not.

Kno is still my top priority, and we have got some exciting releases coming soon.

But now I get to build Boostcous alongside the DTC community.

Get Involved

If you want to grab a box: Boostcous.com

And if you are building something, drop it below. Let us do this together.

Here is to keeping promises.

Follow me on LinkedIn or Instagram for more updates.

Product-led growth is sick!

I am excited to share what just happened with our latest feature at KNO.

We soft-launched something new in the app, and the results came faster than we expected.

The Results

We soft-launched a new feature in KNO’s app and already received 20-plus qualified leads.

And we just onboarded our first paying customer onto the feature today!

These are not just tire kickers.

These are qualified leads who saw the value immediately and wanted in.

Moments like this remind me why I've spent 10 years in the DTC space.

The Catch

My team told me I am not allowed to share this feature publicly yet.

So if you are a KNO customer, go look in your dashboard to find out what it is.

Everyone else has to wait until December 8th.

I know, I know.

The suspense is real.

But trust me, it will be worth the wait.

Follow me on LinkedIn or check out KNO Commerce for more updates.

Product-led growth is sick!

I am excited to share what just happened with our latest feature at KNO.

We soft-launched something new in the app, and the results came faster than we expected.

The Results

We soft-launched a new feature in KNO’s app and already received 20-plus qualified leads.

And we just onboarded our first paying customer onto the feature today!

These are not just tire kickers.

These are qualified leads who saw the value immediately and wanted in.

Moments like this remind me why I've spent 10 years in the DTC space.

The Catch

My team told me I am not allowed to share this feature publicly yet.

So if you are a KNO customer, go look in your dashboard to find out what it is.

Everyone else has to wait until December 8th.

I know, I know.

The suspense is real.

But trust me, it will be worth the wait.

Follow me on LinkedIn or check out KNO Commerce for more updates.

And he spent way too much time writing a book on it.

I am grabbing a copy myself and recommend that you do too.

He recently announced the launch of his book, and honestly, the guy has earned this moment.

Not Just Another Theory Dump

Look, I know there are countless marketing books out there.

But this is not just another theory dump.

He has been in the trenches for over a decade.

• Five billion dollars in online revenue.
• Starting and exiting two e-commerce brands.
• Twelve years in marketing.

Those numbers do not lie.

What Really Stands Out To Me

This is more than just a book.

• You get actionable audit checklists that take less than five minutes.
• You get templates, video trainings, and deep web analytics instruction.
• You get swipe files of the five types of landing pages.

It is the kind of resource that pays for itself immediately.

Conclusion

When someone I trust this much in the CRO space releases a great resource like this, I pay attention.

If you are serious about conversion rate optimization, this should be at the top of your list.

If you would like to buy it, check it out here.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more content like this.

And he spent way too much time writing a book on it.

I am grabbing a copy myself and recommend that you do too.

He recently announced the launch of his book, and honestly, the guy has earned this moment.

Not Just Another Theory Dump

Look, I know there are countless marketing books out there.

But this is not just another theory dump.

He has been in the trenches for over a decade.

• Five billion dollars in online revenue.
• Starting and exiting two e-commerce brands.
• Twelve years in marketing.

Those numbers do not lie.

What Really Stands Out To Me

This is more than just a book.

• You get actionable audit checklists that take less than five minutes.
• You get templates, video trainings, and deep web analytics instruction.
• You get swipe files of the five types of landing pages.

It is the kind of resource that pays for itself immediately.

Conclusion

When someone I trust this much in the CRO space releases a great resource like this, I pay attention.

If you are serious about conversion rate optimization, this should be at the top of your list.

If you would like to buy it, check it out here.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more content like this.

It’s high in protein and fiber, packed with fresh vegetables, and ready in just 15 minutes.

The secret? Boostcous takes only 5 minutes to make, giving me a protein-packed base without the wait. And the homemade dressing comes together in seconds thanks to Afternoon Foods.

Why I Love This Recipe

This salad hits all the right notes. You get the protein and fiber from Boostcous, the satisfying crunch from roasted garbanzo beans, and all those fresh Mediterranean flavors from the vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes.

It’s the kind of meal that keeps you full and energized without weighing you down. Plus, when you can make something this good in 15 minutes, healthy eating stops feeling like a sacrifice.

What You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 box Boostcous
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp Zatar (can sub for paprika and garlic powder if you don’t have)
• 1 bundle kale
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 small jar sun-dried tomatoes (we’re going to use the oil)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Naan bread, pita bread, or pita chips for scooping (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 4 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 packet Greek Goddess dressing from Afternoon Foods

Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Make Boostcous according to package instructions, making sure to salt the water. Fluff after cooking to prevent sticking.
3. In a small mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the garbanzo beans and season with salt, pepper, and Zatar. Toss until well coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove the stalks from the kale and blend in a food processor until it’s finely shredded.
5. Chop the red peppers, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley. Set aside.
6. Make the dressing by shaking all the ingredients in a jar.
7. Assemble the salad with the base of Boostcous, kale, and garbanzo beans. Mix in the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and parsley. Top with dressing and toss to combine. Serve with naan, pita, or pita chips to scoop and enjoy.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Boostcous Kale Salad is everything I want in a meal.

The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.

Ready to try it yourself? Head to our website to get your hands on Boostcous and start making meals that work with your life, not against it!

It’s high in protein and fiber, packed with fresh vegetables, and ready in just 15 minutes.

The secret? Boostcous takes only 5 minutes to make, giving me a protein-packed base without the wait. And the homemade dressing comes together in seconds thanks to Afternoon Foods.

Why I Love This Recipe

This salad hits all the right notes. You get the protein and fiber from Boostcous, the satisfying crunch from roasted garbanzo beans, and all those fresh Mediterranean flavors from the vegetables and sun-dried tomatoes.

It’s the kind of meal that keeps you full and energized without weighing you down. Plus, when you can make something this good in 15 minutes, healthy eating stops feeling like a sacrifice.

What You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 1 box Boostcous
• 1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp Zatar (can sub for paprika and garlic powder if you don’t have)
• 1 bundle kale
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 small jar sun-dried tomatoes (we’re going to use the oil)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Naan bread, pita bread, or pita chips for scooping (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 4 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 packet Greek Goddess dressing from Afternoon Foods

Step by Step

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Make Boostcous according to package instructions, making sure to salt the water. Fluff after cooking to prevent sticking.
3. In a small mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the garbanzo beans and season with salt, pepper, and Zatar. Toss until well coated. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Remove the stalks from the kale and blend in a food processor until it’s finely shredded.
5. Chop the red peppers, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley. Set aside.
6. Make the dressing by shaking all the ingredients in a jar.
7. Assemble the salad with the base of Boostcous, kale, and garbanzo beans. Mix in the peppers, onions, tomatoes, and parsley. Top with dressing and toss to combine. Serve with naan, pita, or pita chips to scoop and enjoy.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Boostcous Kale Salad is everything I want in a meal.

The best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already.

Ready to try it yourself? Head to our website to get your hands on Boostcous and start making meals that work with your life, not against it!

Boostcous is our protein-packed couscous that makes eating healthy actually work with your life.

I’m talking 20g of protein, 11g of fiber, ready in just 5 minutes, and completely gluten free. Because I believe healthy eating shouldn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen or sacrificing the foods you love.

Why I Created Boostcous

Eating healthy can feel like a chore. You want to fuel your body right, get enough protein, load up on fiber, but who has the time? That’s exactly why I created Boostcous.

I wanted to make it easy for you to throw together a nutritious meal without the hassle. No complicated recipes, no long prep times, just real food that works for your busy life.

Five Minute Magic

When I say it’s ready in five minutes, I mean it.

Let me walk you through exactly how simple this is.

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
2. Optional: Rinse the Boostcous in a colander (or use your pot lid) to make it fluffier
3. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil to the boiling water
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the Boostcous
5. Set a timer for five minutes
6. Drain the water and rinse with water

And there you have it. Boostcous is all done and ready to eat.

Making It Yours

Here’s where it gets fun. I like to top it with my favorite curry or stir-fry. Sometimes I throw it in a salad for some extra protein. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our Mediterranean Boostcous Kale Salad is the perfect place to start.

Conclusion

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.

With Boostcous, you get 20g of protein, 11g of fiber, and a meal ready in under five minutes. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes healthy eating feel effortless, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick dinner after a long day.

Our first batch is shipping November 17th, 2025 and I can’t wait for you to try it. Visit our website and sign up to get your hands on our first batch! Or you can follow us on Instagram for more updates.

Boostcous is our protein-packed couscous that makes eating healthy actually work with your life.

I’m talking 20g of protein, 11g of fiber, ready in just 5 minutes, and completely gluten free. Because I believe healthy eating shouldn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen or sacrificing the foods you love.

Why I Created Boostcous

Eating healthy can feel like a chore. You want to fuel your body right, get enough protein, load up on fiber, but who has the time? That’s exactly why I created Boostcous.

I wanted to make it easy for you to throw together a nutritious meal without the hassle. No complicated recipes, no long prep times, just real food that works for your busy life.

Five Minute Magic

When I say it’s ready in five minutes, I mean it.

Let me walk you through exactly how simple this is.

1. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil
2. Optional: Rinse the Boostcous in a colander (or use your pot lid) to make it fluffier
3. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of olive oil to the boiling water
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and add the Boostcous
5. Set a timer for five minutes
6. Drain the water and rinse with water

And there you have it. Boostcous is all done and ready to eat.

Making It Yours

Here’s where it gets fun. I like to top it with my favorite curry or stir-fry. Sometimes I throw it in a salad for some extra protein. The possibilities are endless.

If you’re looking for inspiration, our Mediterranean Boostcous Kale Salad is the perfect place to start.

Conclusion

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated.

With Boostcous, you get 20g of protein, 11g of fiber, and a meal ready in under five minutes. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes healthy eating feel effortless, whether you’re meal prepping for the week or throwing together a quick dinner after a long day.

Our first batch is shipping November 17th, 2025 and I can’t wait for you to try it. Visit our website and sign up to get your hands on our first batch! Or you can follow us on Instagram for more updates.

Every now and then, an email lands in your inbox that you actually want to open.

My team and I just built that at KNO.

Introducing our newest feature: the Survey Digest Email.

A Simple Way to Stay on Top of Your Insights

We designed it to be a simple way to keep your survey insights front and center, without you having to dig for them.

Each digest includes:

• Key survey metrics and trends
• Your top-performing surveys
• A highlighted question you want to keep an eye on
• Suggestions for new touchpoints

Features like this come from years of learning what DTC brands actually need. I share more in 10 Years in DTC.

Conclusion

Our hope is that you will check it with your morning coffee or right before that first meeting of the day. It’s built for exactly that moment.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow KNO’s latest updates on our website.

Every now and then, an email lands in your inbox that you actually want to open.

My team and I just built that at KNO.

Introducing our newest feature: the Survey Digest Email.

A Simple Way to Stay on Top of Your Insights

We designed it to be a simple way to keep your survey insights front and center, without you having to dig for them.

Each digest includes:

• Key survey metrics and trends
• Your top-performing surveys
• A highlighted question you want to keep an eye on
• Suggestions for new touchpoints

Features like this come from years of learning what DTC brands actually need. I share more in 10 Years in DTC.

Conclusion

Our hope is that you will check it with your morning coffee or right before that first meeting of the day. It’s built for exactly that moment.

Connect with me on LinkedIn and follow KNO’s latest updates on our website.

The game has changed completely, but some things stay the same.

If you’re building in this space or thinking about it, here are 10 things I’ve learned along the way.

Time Wins

Success in DTC isn’t about overnight wins. It takes time and consistency to actually win. The brands and people who stick to it are the ones who make it. If you’re in it, stay in it.

Respect Everyone

This community is smaller than you think. The person you meet today might be your business partner, customer, or competitor tomorrow. I’m still friends with people I met in year one. Treat everyone with respect because you’ll probably run into them again.

Build Faster

Innovation is happening faster than ever. Back in 2015, you needed a whole team of people to build something. Now one person can build an entire business with AI. The barrier to entry has never been lower, which means the competition has never been higher.

Stay Curious

Never stop learning and stay curious. On day one, I asked for feedback from Noah and Anton. I try to have that same level of curiosity with my team today. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you start falling behind.

Provide Value

GTM for software has fully changed. Back then it was all about cold outbound. That doesn’t work anymore. Figure out a way to provide value to your future customers and you win. Start a podcast, host events, create content. Give before you ask.

Best People

Surround yourself with the best people. I reached out cold to Noah because he was crushing it. Forever grateful for everything I learned from him. Now our team at KNO is one of the best in the game (in my opinion). Your network and team will make or break you.

Health Matters

Prioritize health and personal relationships. After all, that’s the entire point of doing all this. Don’t sacrifice your body and relationships for a business. It’s not worth it.

Ask Help

Ask for help. Strangers in this community will hop on a call with you and help for free. They’ll look at your ad account, give product feedback, whatever you need. I’m still blown away by how generous people are.

Study Young

The young up and comers are crushing it. Noah Tucker, Shaan Arora, Varun Kundra and their teams are all changing the game. Go study what they’re doing. Fresh perspective is good, especially when you’ve been doing something the same way for years.

Question Assumptions

Question your assumptions. I recently realized I don’t actually know my customers’ pain points because I’ve never operated a DTC brand. In the next 30 days that’s going to change. Excited to show you all what I’ve been working on.

Bonus

I wish I learned about the mullet in 2015.

Me and the boys

Conclusion

Looking back at 10 years in DTC, here are the key takeaways:

• It takes time and consistency to win
• Treat everyone with respect in this small community
• One person can now build an entire business with AI
• Never stop learning and stay curious
• Provide value to your future customers first
• Surround yourself with the best people
• Prioritize health and personal relationships
• Ask for help from the community
• Study what the young up and comers are doing
• Question your assumptions regularly

If you’re just starting out or you’re a few years in, remember that everyone in this space started somewhere. The community is small and supportive. Reach out, ask questions, and keep learning.

Ready to level up your DTC game? Start by questioning one assumption you’ve been holding onto and see where it takes you.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more content like this.

The game has changed completely, but some things stay the same.

If you’re building in this space or thinking about it, here are 10 things I’ve learned along the way.

Time Wins

Success in DTC isn’t about overnight wins. It takes time and consistency to actually win. The brands and people who stick to it are the ones who make it. If you’re in it, stay in it.

Respect Everyone

This community is smaller than you think. The person you meet today might be your business partner, customer, or competitor tomorrow. I’m still friends with people I met in year one. Treat everyone with respect because you’ll probably run into them again.

Build Faster

Innovation is happening faster than ever. Back in 2015, you needed a whole team of people to build something. Now one person can build an entire business with AI. The barrier to entry has never been lower, which means the competition has never been higher.

Stay Curious

Never stop learning and stay curious. On day one, I asked for feedback from Noah and Anton. I try to have that same level of curiosity with my team today. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you start falling behind.

Provide Value

GTM for software has fully changed. Back then it was all about cold outbound. That doesn’t work anymore. Figure out a way to provide value to your future customers and you win. Start a podcast, host events, create content. Give before you ask.

Best People

Surround yourself with the best people. I reached out cold to Noah because he was crushing it. Forever grateful for everything I learned from him. Now our team at KNO is one of the best in the game (in my opinion). Your network and team will make or break you.

Health Matters

Prioritize health and personal relationships. After all, that’s the entire point of doing all this. Don’t sacrifice your body and relationships for a business. It’s not worth it.

Ask Help

Ask for help. Strangers in this community will hop on a call with you and help for free. They’ll look at your ad account, give product feedback, whatever you need. I’m still blown away by how generous people are.

Study Young

The young up and comers are crushing it. Noah Tucker, Shaan Arora, Varun Kundra and their teams are all changing the game. Go study what they’re doing. Fresh perspective is good, especially when you’ve been doing something the same way for years.

Question Assumptions

Question your assumptions. I recently realized I don’t actually know my customers’ pain points because I’ve never operated a DTC brand. In the next 30 days that’s going to change. Excited to show you all what I’ve been working on.

Bonus

I wish I learned about the mullet in 2015.

Me and the boys

Conclusion

Looking back at 10 years in DTC, here are the key takeaways:

• It takes time and consistency to win
• Treat everyone with respect in this small community
• One person can now build an entire business with AI
• Never stop learning and stay curious
• Provide value to your future customers first
• Surround yourself with the best people
• Prioritize health and personal relationships
• Ask for help from the community
• Study what the young up and comers are doing
• Question your assumptions regularly

If you’re just starting out or you’re a few years in, remember that everyone in this space started somewhere. The community is small and supportive. Reach out, ask questions, and keep learning.

Ready to level up your DTC game? Start by questioning one assumption you’ve been holding onto and see where it takes you.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more content like this.

Rapid Growth

I first met Steven when I posted an Account Executive (AE) position at Kno about two and a half years ago.

Since then, Steven has been instrumental in the company's success.

He has:

• Helped grow Kno from approximately 1,000 customers to around 6,500 customers.
• Built a profitable e-commerce brand.
• Lost approximately 30 pounds and is in the best shape I’ve seen him.

And he's about to get married!

A picture of Steven

Conclusion

Steven's journey is a testament to hard work and dedication. From his contributions to Kno's growth, building a successful e-commerce brand, to transforming his health, he's achieved remarkable things.

Let's all take a moment to celebrate Steven's achievements and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Go give this guy some love!

Thanks for stopping by. You can find me on LinkedIn and X for more.

Rapid Growth

I first met Steven when I posted an Account Executive (AE) position at Kno about two and a half years ago.

Since then, Steven has been instrumental in the company's success.

He has:

• Helped grow Kno from approximately 1,000 customers to around 6,500 customers.
• Built a profitable e-commerce brand.
• Lost approximately 30 pounds and is in the best shape I’ve seen him.

And he's about to get married!

A picture of Steven

Conclusion

Steven's journey is a testament to hard work and dedication. From his contributions to Kno's growth, building a successful e-commerce brand, to transforming his health, he's achieved remarkable things.

Let's all take a moment to celebrate Steven's achievements and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Go give this guy some love!

Thanks for stopping by. You can find me on LinkedIn and X for more.

Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates like this!

Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates like this!

But when my dad retired after 38 years in the cutting tools industry, it hit different.

This wasn’t just about clocking out for the last time. It was about a journey that started in 1997, when he moved our entire family from Israel to Buffalo, NY.

My parents left everything they knew: family, culture, and way of life, all to chase the American dream. None of us spoke English. We didn’t have clothes for the Buffalo winters (if you know, you know). We moved here with very little financial means. But my parents wanted to give my siblings and me the opportunity to grow endlessly and experience life without war.

Here’s the full story.

The Hustle

My dad worked 24/7 to make that dream a reality.

He traveled for work constantly, often for two weeks at a time. Sometimes more.

Looking back, I’ll be honest: I resented him for working so much and being gone a lot. But now I understand.

It takes hustle to achieve your dreams and support a family. Especially when you come from nothing.

Immigrant Mentality

This immigrant mentality is a big part of what drives me today.

He worked so hard to give us what we have, that I want to make him proud.

In a way, I want to show him his hustle was worth it. That every trip, every long hour, every sacrifice actually meant something.

His Announcement

When my dad shared his retirement news, here’s what he said:

After nearly 38 rewarding years in the cutting tools industry, working with eight different companies, I am happy to announce my transition to a part-time role. I will continue to work in the cutting business, doing what I love: developing and testing cutting tools. This new phase will also allow me to dedicate much more time to my family and personal passions, such as hiking and biking and other hobbies that I love. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taught, worked with, helped, and cooperated with me throughout my career.

Click here to read the official announcement on LinkedIn.

Worth It

Reading those words hit me hard.

After nearly four decades of grinding, he finally gets to do more of what he loves while still working on his passion.

He gets to spend more time with family. He gets to hike and bike. He earned this.

Conclusion

The takeaway here isn’t complicated. Sometimes the people who sacrifice the most are the ones we take for granted.

My dad’s story reminds me that the American dream isn’t just about success. It’s about the hustle, the sacrifice, and the belief that your kids will have it better than you did.

Mazel tov, abba. I’m proud of you.

If this story resonates with you, take a moment to appreciate the people in your life who worked hard so you could dream bigger. Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

But when my dad retired after 38 years in the cutting tools industry, it hit different.

This wasn’t just about clocking out for the last time. It was about a journey that started in 1997, when he moved our entire family from Israel to Buffalo, NY.

My parents left everything they knew: family, culture, and way of life, all to chase the American dream. None of us spoke English. We didn’t have clothes for the Buffalo winters (if you know, you know). We moved here with very little financial means. But my parents wanted to give my siblings and me the opportunity to grow endlessly and experience life without war.

Here’s the full story.

The Hustle

My dad worked 24/7 to make that dream a reality.

He traveled for work constantly, often for two weeks at a time. Sometimes more.

Looking back, I’ll be honest: I resented him for working so much and being gone a lot. But now I understand.

It takes hustle to achieve your dreams and support a family. Especially when you come from nothing.

Immigrant Mentality

This immigrant mentality is a big part of what drives me today.

He worked so hard to give us what we have, that I want to make him proud.

In a way, I want to show him his hustle was worth it. That every trip, every long hour, every sacrifice actually meant something.

His Announcement

When my dad shared his retirement news, here’s what he said:

After nearly 38 rewarding years in the cutting tools industry, working with eight different companies, I am happy to announce my transition to a part-time role. I will continue to work in the cutting business, doing what I love: developing and testing cutting tools. This new phase will also allow me to dedicate much more time to my family and personal passions, such as hiking and biking and other hobbies that I love. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taught, worked with, helped, and cooperated with me throughout my career.

Click here to read the official announcement on LinkedIn.

Worth It

Reading those words hit me hard.

After nearly four decades of grinding, he finally gets to do more of what he loves while still working on his passion.

He gets to spend more time with family. He gets to hike and bike. He earned this.

Conclusion

The takeaway here isn’t complicated. Sometimes the people who sacrifice the most are the ones we take for granted.

My dad’s story reminds me that the American dream isn’t just about success. It’s about the hustle, the sacrifice, and the belief that your kids will have it better than you did.

Mazel tov, abba. I’m proud of you.

If this story resonates with you, take a moment to appreciate the people in your life who worked hard so you could dream bigger. Share this with someone who needs to hear it.

20 hedge funds reached out asking for the inside scoop on AppLovin. Instead of taking their money, we did something different. We wrote the exact report they wanted and we’re giving it away for free.

This isn’t a surface-level overview. We went deep on AppLovin, covering everything from incremental sales to platform growth. Whether you’re an ecom brand looking to diversify your ad mix or an investor trying to understand the platform, this report has what you need.

What’s Inside

The report covers the critical questions everyone’s asking about AppLovin (Axon.ai):

• Does AppLovin drive incremental sales?
• How do you actually measure APP performance?
• How does click data stack up against customer survey data?
• Is the platform growing? Are more advertisers signing up?
• What demographics are actually on the platform?

For Ecom Brands

If you’re running an ecom brand and looking to diversify your ad mix beyond the usual suspects, you need to see this. The report breaks down whether AppLovin can actually move the needle for your business and how to measure its impact properly.

Understanding how AppLovin fits into your marketing stack could be the difference between wasting budget and finding a new growth channel.

For Investors

If you’re an investor, we’re giving this to you completely free. No strings attached.

The same report that hedge funds were willing to pay for is yours just by asking.

Conclusion

Here’s what you’re getting: a comprehensive breakdown of AppLovin’s ability to drive incremental sales, proper measurement frameworks, click data versus survey data comparisons, platform growth metrics, advertiser adoption rates, and demographic insights.

This is the report 20 hedge funds wanted. Now it’s available to anyone who asks.

Check out the original viral post on LinkedIn that started it all, or comment APP on my post to get your free copy of the report.

20 hedge funds reached out asking for the inside scoop on AppLovin. Instead of taking their money, we did something different. We wrote the exact report they wanted and we’re giving it away for free.

This isn’t a surface-level overview. We went deep on AppLovin, covering everything from incremental sales to platform growth. Whether you’re an ecom brand looking to diversify your ad mix or an investor trying to understand the platform, this report has what you need.

What’s Inside

The report covers the critical questions everyone’s asking about AppLovin (Axon.ai):

• Does AppLovin drive incremental sales?
• How do you actually measure APP performance?
• How does click data stack up against customer survey data?
• Is the platform growing? Are more advertisers signing up?
• What demographics are actually on the platform?

For Ecom Brands

If you’re running an ecom brand and looking to diversify your ad mix beyond the usual suspects, you need to see this. The report breaks down whether AppLovin can actually move the needle for your business and how to measure its impact properly.

Understanding how AppLovin fits into your marketing stack could be the difference between wasting budget and finding a new growth channel.

For Investors

If you’re an investor, we’re giving this to you completely free. No strings attached.

The same report that hedge funds were willing to pay for is yours just by asking.

Conclusion

Here’s what you’re getting: a comprehensive breakdown of AppLovin’s ability to drive incremental sales, proper measurement frameworks, click data versus survey data comparisons, platform growth metrics, advertiser adoption rates, and demographic insights.

This is the report 20 hedge funds wanted. Now it’s available to anyone who asks.

Check out the original viral post on LinkedIn that started it all, or comment APP on my post to get your free copy of the report.

Here’s what I was up to during that time.

Grand Canyon Escape

I spent 18 days on a river trip through the Grand Canyon.

There’s nothing like completely disconnecting to reset your mind and gain perspective.

Building KNO

I’ve been building a KNO product quietly in the background.

I’m excited to share some much-needed updates soon.

House Renovation

I bought a house and renovated it (mostly on my own).

I took this on as a major project and got hands-on with the work.

Personal Investment

I Invested in a partnership with my (relatively new) girlfriend.

Sometimes the best investments aren’t just business related.

Brand Building

I’ve been building a brand on nights and weekends

More details coming soon, but this side project has been keeping me busy and inspired.

Conclusion

The time away was worth it. I’m coming back with fresh energy and progress on multiple fronts.

From the Grand Canyon adventure to building KNO product updates, renovating a house, investing in personal relationships, and launching a new brand, these few weeks offline were packed with meaningful work.

For now, I’m excited to be back and share some more regular updates. Stay tuned for updates on the KNO product, the new brand I’m building, and everything else I’ve been working on behind the scenes.

Ready to follow along? Follow me on my socials to read recent life updates, and more.

Here’s what I was up to during that time.

Grand Canyon Escape

I spent 18 days on a river trip through the Grand Canyon.

There’s nothing like completely disconnecting to reset your mind and gain perspective.

Building KNO

I’ve been building a KNO product quietly in the background.

I’m excited to share some much-needed updates soon.

House Renovation

I bought a house and renovated it (mostly on my own).

I took this on as a major project and got hands-on with the work.

Personal Investment

I Invested in a partnership with my (relatively new) girlfriend.

Sometimes the best investments aren’t just business related.

Brand Building

I’ve been building a brand on nights and weekends

More details coming soon, but this side project has been keeping me busy and inspired.

Conclusion

The time away was worth it. I’m coming back with fresh energy and progress on multiple fronts.

From the Grand Canyon adventure to building KNO product updates, renovating a house, investing in personal relationships, and launching a new brand, these few weeks offline were packed with meaningful work.

For now, I’m excited to be back and share some more regular updates. Stay tuned for updates on the KNO product, the new brand I’m building, and everything else I’ve been working on behind the scenes.

Ready to follow along? Follow me on my socials to read recent life updates, and more.

Sure, you can splurge on a personal trainer, chef, wearables, supplements, and more. But you still have to put in the work. There aren't any shortcuts. You can't pay someone to do the run or workout for you.

Health has been a top priority of mine for the last few years, and it remains the one constant priority I try to maintain as life gets in the way.

No Shortcuts

Money can get you access to the best resources. Personal trainers who know exactly how to push you. Chefs who prepare perfectly balanced meals. The latest wearables that track every metric. High-quality supplements that support your goals.

But none of that matters if you don't show up and do the work yourself. You can't outsource the actual effort. The workout has to be done by you. The discipline has to come from you.

The Secret

What's the secret to staying consistent? Do workouts that don't feel like a workout.

For me, that's doing workouts outside. When exercise feels like play, it stops being a chore. It becomes something you actually look forward to instead of something you have to force yourself to do.

My Favorites

The activities that keep me moving and motivated:

• Mountain biking
• Skiing
• Hiking
• Rafting

The list goes on and on. These outdoor activities don't just keep me fit. They keep me energized, clear-headed, and connected to what matters.

Conclusion

Health is the one thing money can't buy for you. You can invest in all the tools and resources, but the work is yours to do. The key is finding workouts that don't feel like work. For me, that means getting outside and doing activities I genuinely enjoy.

Life gets busy and priorities shift. But health is the one constant I try to maintain no matter what. When you find what works for you, staying consistent becomes so much easier.

If you're ever in Colorado, hit me up and let's get out together.

Sure, you can splurge on a personal trainer, chef, wearables, supplements, and more. But you still have to put in the work. There aren't any shortcuts. You can't pay someone to do the run or workout for you.

Health has been a top priority of mine for the last few years, and it remains the one constant priority I try to maintain as life gets in the way.

No Shortcuts

Money can get you access to the best resources. Personal trainers who know exactly how to push you. Chefs who prepare perfectly balanced meals. The latest wearables that track every metric. High-quality supplements that support your goals.

But none of that matters if you don't show up and do the work yourself. You can't outsource the actual effort. The workout has to be done by you. The discipline has to come from you.

The Secret

What's the secret to staying consistent? Do workouts that don't feel like a workout.

For me, that's doing workouts outside. When exercise feels like play, it stops being a chore. It becomes something you actually look forward to instead of something you have to force yourself to do.

My Favorites

The activities that keep me moving and motivated:

• Mountain biking
• Skiing
• Hiking
• Rafting

The list goes on and on. These outdoor activities don't just keep me fit. They keep me energized, clear-headed, and connected to what matters.

Conclusion

Health is the one thing money can't buy for you. You can invest in all the tools and resources, but the work is yours to do. The key is finding workouts that don't feel like work. For me, that means getting outside and doing activities I genuinely enjoy.

Life gets busy and priorities shift. But health is the one constant I try to maintain no matter what. When you find what works for you, staying consistent becomes so much easier.

If you're ever in Colorado, hit me up and let's get out together.

We hit some major milestones that have been months in the making, onboarded a record number of customers, and launched features that open up entirely new possibilities for our users.

Here’s everything that went down.

P.S. Thanks Andy Cloyd for the inspiration to make this blog.

Going Global

We officially went global with AG1, and this one hits different for me. We landed them as a client because their exec team used us at a previous brand and had an incredible experience.

We’ve been working with their team for a few months on their US domain and have now expanded to their global domains.

This really shows that success doesn’t happen overnight. Deliver the best-in-class product, and it will pay dividends over time. Stick with it.

Record-Breaking Growth

We onboarded over 200 customers into our Shopify app this week. This is the largest single-week growth for our app listing.

So much so that we were trending as the top Shopify app for the week.

New Client

We landed ALT. Fragrances as a client.

Stoked to have them on board!

Zapier Integration

We launched our Zapier integration.

In case you missed it, this allows you to send KNO data to 7k+ other places.

I firmly believe our data is more powerful in other platforms. We’ll be the best at gathering consumer insights, but others will be the best at executing on the data.

This opens up the doors to a lot of possibilities and empowers our users to turn our data into action.

QR Codes

We launched QR codes for our surveys. We’re seeing more of our big brands start to open up their own stores.

BYLT Basics is a great example. They can now generate a QR code for all their receipts and gather consumer insights.

DTSki Update

We finalized the guest list for DTSki, and this lineup is insanely stacked. SKIMS, MeUndies, Benchmade, ALO Yoga and 35 others.

I firmly believe this will be the event of the year. We have 1 spot left for any brand that wants to join the conversation.

Conclusion

This week was a perfect example of what happens when you stay committed to building the best product and supporting your customers.

From going global with AG1 to breaking our own growth records and launching features that give our users more power, every win this week has been in the making for a while.

The key takeaway? Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep delivering, keep improving, and the results will follow.

These milestones are just the beginning.

Did you enjoy reading? Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates like this.

We hit some major milestones that have been months in the making, onboarded a record number of customers, and launched features that open up entirely new possibilities for our users.

Here’s everything that went down.

P.S. Thanks Andy Cloyd for the inspiration to make this blog.

Going Global

We officially went global with AG1, and this one hits different for me. We landed them as a client because their exec team used us at a previous brand and had an incredible experience.

We’ve been working with their team for a few months on their US domain and have now expanded to their global domains.

This really shows that success doesn’t happen overnight. Deliver the best-in-class product, and it will pay dividends over time. Stick with it.

Record-Breaking Growth

We onboarded over 200 customers into our Shopify app this week. This is the largest single-week growth for our app listing.

So much so that we were trending as the top Shopify app for the week.

New Client

We landed ALT. Fragrances as a client.

Stoked to have them on board!

Zapier Integration

We launched our Zapier integration.

In case you missed it, this allows you to send KNO data to 7k+ other places.

I firmly believe our data is more powerful in other platforms. We’ll be the best at gathering consumer insights, but others will be the best at executing on the data.

This opens up the doors to a lot of possibilities and empowers our users to turn our data into action.

QR Codes

We launched QR codes for our surveys. We’re seeing more of our big brands start to open up their own stores.

BYLT Basics is a great example. They can now generate a QR code for all their receipts and gather consumer insights.

DTSki Update

We finalized the guest list for DTSki, and this lineup is insanely stacked. SKIMS, MeUndies, Benchmade, ALO Yoga and 35 others.

I firmly believe this will be the event of the year. We have 1 spot left for any brand that wants to join the conversation.

Conclusion

This week was a perfect example of what happens when you stay committed to building the best product and supporting your customers.

From going global with AG1 to breaking our own growth records and launching features that give our users more power, every win this week has been in the making for a while.

The key takeaway? Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep delivering, keep improving, and the results will follow.

These milestones are just the beginning.

Did you enjoy reading? Follow me on LinkedIn for more updates like this.

2025 was a paradox. It was, in many ways, the best year of my life, filled with milestones and achievements. Yet, it was also one of the most challenging, pushing me to my limits both physically and mentally. I bought a house and poured my energy into remodeling the basement. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, a relationship that profoundly shifted my perspective. Business-wise, Boostcous evolved from a mere idea into a thriving brand with tangible sales and a presence on store shelves. KnoCommerce also experienced remarkable growth.

On paper, it looked like the quintessential "crushing it" year, the kind that gets screenshotted and flaunted. But the highlight reel omitted a crucial part of the story.

The Unseen Struggles

Behind the facade of success, I was struggling. I broke my back, confining me to crutches for three months. My physical health deteriorated, sleep became elusive, energy levels plummeted, and my mind was constantly racing. Instead of slowing down, I succumbed to the pressure to double down on work, a common trap for founders.

I plunged into 80–100 hour workweeks, dedicating myself entirely to KnoCommerce and Boostcous. In the process, I neglected myself. "Bar the human" was gradually replaced by "Bar the founder." My identity became intertwined with metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It's a familiar narrative for many of us, but one we rarely share publicly.

Prioritizing Balance in 2026

Going into 2026, I'm shifting my focus from solely optimizing for revenue to prioritizing balance. My word of the year is Balance – not the superficial "work-life balance" often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week (skiing, biking, hiking, etc.)
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week (to rebuild my back stronger than ever)
• Meditate 4 days per week (10 minutes of simply... not solving problems)

A Sustainable Path Forward

Continuing to work 80–100 hour weeks might lead to growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce, but it will come at the expense of my own well-being. That's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

2025 taught me invaluable lessons. The wins demonstrated what's achievable, while the pain highlighted what's unsustainable. In 2026, I'll maintain the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges, but with a renewed commitment to balance – tackling problems with a more sustainable and holistic approach.

2025. It's a year etched in my memory as both the pinnacle of achievement and the depths of personal struggle. On paper, it was a year of crushing it: a new house, a fully remodeled basement (by yours truly), a blossoming relationship with the incredible Meghan, the launch of Boostcous from concept to tangible brand, and a banner year for KnoCommerce. It looked like the kind of year people screenshot and share, a highlight reel of entrepreneurial success.

But behind the scenes, the reality was far more complex. The highlight reel didn't capture the broken back, the three months on crutches, the slide into the worst shape of my life, the sleepless nights, the depleted energy, and the relentless mental chatter. And instead of hitting the brakes, I doubled down – the classic founder move.

The Founder Identity Trap

Those 80-100 hour weeks became the norm, fueled by an all-in commitment to KnoCommerce and Boostcous. But somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It’s a story many of us live, a silent struggle often masked by the curated perfection of social media.

This experience has taught me a crucial lesson: optimizing solely for revenue is a losing game. As we head into the new year, it's time to redefine success.

Embracing Balance: My Word of the Year

My word for the coming year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" we pay lip service to, but a deep, nervous-system-level equilibrium. For me, this means establishing a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts (3x per week): Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to connect with nature and move my body.
• Gym Time (2x per week): Rebuilding strength and ensuring my back comes back stronger than ever.
• Meditation (4x per week): 10 minutes of quiet, a space to simply be without the pressure of problem-solving.

These aren't just resolutions; they're commitments to prioritize my well-being. Continuing to run at 80-100 hours per week might fuel growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce, but at the expense of my own growth and health. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Lessons Learned and a Path Forward

2025 was a year of extremes, a testament to both the heights we can reach and the unsustainable paths we can tread. I'm immensely grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins revealed what's possible, while the pain exposed what's not sustainable.

Next year, the ambition remains, the companies remain, and the problems remain. But the approach will be different. I'm committed to bringing more balance to the equation, tackling challenges with a renewed focus on well-being and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Actionable Insight: Take some time to honestly assess your own balance. Are you optimizing solely for professional success at the expense of your personal well-being? Identify 2-3 small, non-negotiable changes you can make to prioritize balance in your own life. Remember, sustainable success requires a holistic approach that nurtures both your business and yourself.

2025. It was a year of incredible highs and unexpected lows. I bought a house, remodeled the basement, and started dating someone amazing, Meghan, who fundamentally changed my perspective. My startup, Boostcous, went from a concept to a tangible brand with real sales. KnoCommerce also experienced a banner year. On paper, it looked like a resounding success.

But the highlight reel doesn't tell the whole story. It doesn't show the broken back, the three months on crutches, the worst shape of my life, the wrecked sleep, and the constant mental noise. Instead of slowing down, I did what many founders do: I doubled down on work. 80-100 hour weeks became the norm, leaving zero room for "Bar the human." My identity became solely defined by metrics like MRR, launch dates, and Shopify sales.

The Shift: Optimizing for More Than Revenue

Going into the new year, I'm making a conscious decision to optimize for more than just revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" we often see in presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. This requires setting non-negotiable boundaries.

My Non-Negotiable Rules for Balance

• Outdoor Workouts (3 days/week): Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to get outside and move.
• Gym (2 days/week): Rebuilding my back stronger than before the injury.
• Meditation (4 days/week): 10 minutes of simply not solving problems.

The Trade-Off: Growth vs. Sustainability

Continuing to work 80-100 hour weeks might lead to further growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce. But at what cost? My own well-being and personal growth cannot be sacrificed. 2025 taught me that lesson. The wins showed me what's possible, while the pain revealed what's not sustainable.

Next year, I'm approaching the same ambition, the same companies, and the same problems with a commitment to balance. It's about finding a way to tackle challenges without sacrificing my health and overall well-being. I'm grateful for both the successes and the struggles of 2025, and I'm determined to build a more balanced and sustainable future.

On paper, 2025 looked like a resounding success. I bought a house and poured my heart (and sweat) into remodeling the basement myself. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, who has fundamentally changed my perspective on everything. My ventures also saw significant progress. Boostcous evolved from a mere concept into a thriving brand with tangible sales and shelf presence. KnoCommerce, too, experienced one of its most successful years. This is the kind of year people screenshot and share, a testament to apparent triumph.

The Unseen Struggles

But behind the veneer of success lay a different reality, one that rarely makes it to the highlight reel. I broke my back, a debilitating injury that left me on crutches for three long months. My physical health deteriorated, my sleep patterns were disrupted, my energy levels plummeted, and my mental state became increasingly turbulent.

Instead of heeding the warning signs and slowing down, I succumbed to the pressure often placed on founders: I doubled down on work. Eighty to 100-hour weeks became the norm, with unwavering focus on KnoCommerce and Boostcous. But in the process, I neglected the most important project: myself.

The Erosion of Identity

Somewhere along the line, "Bar the human" was quietly replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with the performance of my businesses. Questions like "How's MRR?" "How's the launch?" "How are Shopify sales?" and "What's next?" became my defining metrics. This is a story that resonates with many of us, yet we often hesitate to share it publicly.

As I look ahead to the coming year, I'm determined to shift my priorities. I'm no longer willing to optimize solely for revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" that's often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level equilibrium.

Finding True Balance: A Practical Approach

For me, achieving this balance involves establishing a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts: Engage in outdoor physical activity three days per week. Whether it's skiing, biking, hiking, or simply spending time in nature.
• Gym Time: Commit to at least two days per week in the gym. This is crucial for rebuilding my back strength and overall fitness.
• Meditation: Practice meditation four days per week, dedicating just 10 minutes to clearing my mind and detaching from problem-solving.

These rules are designed to prioritize my well-being and create space for personal growth. If I continue to work 80-100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I will not. And that's a sacrifice I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life, and I'm profoundly grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins demonstrated what's possible, while the pain revealed what's unsustainable. As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned, determined to build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Next year, I approach the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges. But this time, I'm committed to bringing more balance to the equation. It's time to redefine success, not just by revenue, but by overall well-being.

2025 was a paradox. It was, without a doubt, the best year of my life, punctuated by incredible highs and profound lows. It was a year of building, both literally and figuratively. I bought a house and dove headfirst into remodeling the entire basement, a testament to DIY spirit and a desire to create something tangible.

Romantically, 2025 marked the beginning of something truly special. Meeting Meghan, the love of my life, shifted my perspective in ways I couldn't have imagined. This relationship alone redefined everything I thought I knew.

Professionally, the year was a whirlwind. Boostcous, a venture I'm deeply passionate about, transformed from a mere idea into a thriving brand, securing real sales and landing on store shelves. Meanwhile, KnoCommerce, another significant part of my life, experienced one of its most successful years to date.

On paper, 2025 looked like an unmitigated triumph, the kind of year people screenshot and boast about. But the highlight reel only tells half the story.

The Unseen Struggles

Behind the facade of success, I was struggling. I broke my back, a painful setback that left me on crutches for three long months. My physical health deteriorated, leading to the worst shape of my life. Sleep became a luxury, energy levels plummeted, and my mind was a constant source of noise.

Instead of heeding the warning signs and slowing down, I fell into the trap that many founders succumb to: I doubled down on work. Eighty to one-hundred-hour weeks became the norm, with every ounce of my energy poured into KnoCommerce and Boostcous. In the process, I neglected the most important asset: myself.

Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with metrics and milestones: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It's a familiar narrative for many of us, but one we rarely share openly.

Prioritizing Balance: A New Approach

As I look ahead, I'm committed to a fundamental shift. I'm no longer willing to optimize solely for revenue. My word of the year is "Balance." Not the superficial "work-life balance" we often see in presentations, but a genuine, nervous-system-level equilibrium.

For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week. Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to connect with nature and move my body.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week. Rebuilding my back stronger than ever is a priority.
• Meditate 4 days per week. Even just 10 minutes of quiet, problem-solving-free time can make a huge difference.

These are the cornerstones of my commitment to balance. Because if I continue to run at an unsustainable pace, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I won't. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life. I'm grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins showed me what's possible, while the pain revealed what's not sustainable. Next year, I'm bringing the same ambition, the same dedication to my companies, and the same willingness to tackle challenges. But this time, I'm determined to approach those challenges with a greater sense of balance, ensuring that my personal well-being is not sacrificed at the altar of professional success. It's time to build a life, not just a business.

I bought a house. Remodeled the entire basement myself. Started dating the love of my life, Meghan—and that alone changed how I see everything. Boostcous went from idea to real brand with real sales on real shelves. KnoCommerce had one of our best years yet.

On paper, it looks like a "crushing it" year. The kind people screenshot and brag about.

But here's the part that didn't make it into any highlight reel.

When Success Costs Everything

I broke my back. Spent three months on crutches. I slid into the worst shape of my life—sleep wrecked, energy wrecked, head noisy.

And instead of slowing down, I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in there, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My entire identity became: How's MRR? How's the launch? How are Shopify sales? What's the next thing?

It's the same story a lot of us are living. We just don't usually post about it.

The Hidden Cost of Founder Culture

The startup world glorifies the grind. We celebrate the all-nighters, the sacrifices, the "whatever it takes" mentality. And for good reason—building something from nothing requires extraordinary effort and commitment.

But there's a dangerous illusion baked into that narrative: that more hours always equals more progress. That if you're not working yourself to exhaustion, you're not serious enough.

I bought into that completely. And while my companies grew, I didn't. In fact, I shrunk—physically, mentally, emotionally.

The truth that took me far too long to learn: sustainable growth requires a sustainable founder. You can't build long-term value from a depleted state.

My Word for the Year: Balance

So going into next year, I'm done optimizing only for revenue.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides. Actual, nervous-system-level balance.

For me, that looks like a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week: Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week: I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury.
• Meditate 4 days per week: 10 minutes of just...not solving problems.

That's it. Nothing revolutionary. But for someone who's been running at full throttle for years, these simple commitments represent a fundamental shift in priorities.

The New Definition of Success

Because if I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

I've learned that real success isn't just about what you build—it's about who you become while building it. It's about whether you can actually enjoy the wins when they come. Whether you have the energy and presence to nurture the relationships that matter most.

The wins showed me what's possible. The pain showed me what's not sustainable.

Next year: same ambition, same companies, same problems. But I'm bringing balance into how I tackle those problems.

For Fellow Founders: You're Not Alone

If you're reading this and seeing yourself in my story, know that you're not alone. The pressure to perform, to grow, to prove yourself—it's real, and it's relentless.

But so is the cost of ignoring your own well-being.

I'm sharing this not because I've figured it all out, but because I'm committed to figuring it out. Because I believe we can build exceptional companies without destroying ourselves in the process.

2025 was the best and worst year of my life. I'm grateful for both sides.

Here's to a more balanced 2026.

2025 was simultaneously the best and worst year of my life. Here's what happened when success came at the cost of everything else.

The Highlight Reel

On paper, 2025 was extraordinary:

• Bought a house and remodeled the entire basement myself
• Started dating Meghan, the love of my life
• Launched Boostcous from idea to real brand with actual sales on retail shelves
• KnoCommerce had one of its best years yet

It's the kind of year people screenshot and post about. The "crushing it" year.

The Part Nobody Sees

But here's what didn't make the highlight reel:

I broke my back. Three months on crutches. Slid into the worst shape of my life. Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy.

And instead of slowing down, I did what founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in there, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My Word for 2026: Balance

Not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides. Actual, nervous-system-level balance.

Here are my three non-negotiable rules:

🏔️ Work out outside 3x per week

Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes.

💪 Gym 2x per week

I want my back to come back stronger than ever.

🧘 Meditate 4x per week

10 minutes of just... not solving problems.

That's it.

The Trade I Won't Make Again

If I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow.

But I won't.

And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins showed me what's possible.
The pain showed me what's not sustainable.

Next year: same ambition, same companies, same problems.

But I'm bringing balance to how I tackle them.

2025 was supposed to be a victory lap. On paper, it looked like the kind of year every entrepreneur dreams about. I bought a house, launched Boostcous as a real brand with real retail presence, and watched KnoCommerce hit record numbers. I started dating Meghan, who changed how I see everything. The highlight reel was perfect.

But behind those wins was a reality I wasn't posting about: a broken back, three months on crutches, and 80–100 hour weeks that nearly broke me in ways an injury never could.

When Success Becomes Unsustainable

The founder playbook is simple: when things get hard, work harder. So that's exactly what I did. While recovering from a back injury, instead of slowing down, I doubled down. I poured everything into my companies, convinced that hustle was the only answer.

Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" quietly disappeared, replaced entirely by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became metrics: MRR, launch numbers, Shopify sales, the next milestone. Sleep suffered. Energy tanked. My head got noisy with the constant problem-solving that never shut off.

I slid into the worst shape of my life—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. And the hardest part? I knew I wasn't alone. This is the same story countless founders are living but rarely talk about publicly.

Redefining Balance for 2026

Going into next year, I'm making a fundamental shift. My word for 2026 is Balance—not the corporate buzzword version we put on slides, but actual, nervous-system-level balance that keeps me human while building companies.

For me, that means three non-negotiable commitments:

• Work out outside 3 days per week — skiing, biking, hiking, whatever gets me moving in nature
• Hit the gym at least 2 days per week — rebuilding my back stronger than it was before the injury
• Meditate 4 days per week — just 10 minutes of not solving problems, not optimizing, not strategizing

That's it. Simple, but non-negotiable.

The Trade I'm No Longer Willing to Make

Here's what I've learned: if I keep running at this pace, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue growing. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins of 2025 showed me what's possible when I'm fully committed. The pain showed me what's not sustainable. Both lessons were necessary. Both shaped what comes next.

So next year: same ambition, same companies, same big problems to solve. But I'm bringing a different version of myself to the table—one that understands that sustainable success requires a sustainable founder.

The work matters. The companies matter. But so do I. That's the balance I'm chasing in 2026.

But here's what didn't make the highlight reel: I broke my back, spent three months on crutches, fell into the worst shape of my life, and replaced "Bar the human" with "Bar the founder."

The Founder's Trap: When Success Costs Everything

Instead of slowing down after my injury, I did what founders are taught to do: I doubled down. 80–100 hour weeks became my norm. My entire identity shrunk to a handful of metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and what's next.

Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy.

It's the same story many of us are living—we just don't usually post about it. We optimize for revenue while our bodies and minds quietly send distress signals we've learned to ignore.

Balance: My Non-Negotiable Rules for 2025

Going into next year, I'm done optimizing only for revenue. My word for the year is Balance—not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides, but actual, nervous-system-level balance.

Here's what that looks like for me:

• Work out outside 3 days per week – Skiing, biking, hiking. Whatever it takes.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week – My back needs to come back stronger than ever.
• Meditate 4 days per week – Just 10 minutes of not solving problems.

That's it. Simple. Non-negotiable.

The Trade I'm No Longer Willing to Make

If I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins of 2025 showed me what's possible. The pain showed me what's not sustainable. Next year brings the same ambition, same companies, same problems—but I'm bringing a different version of myself to tackle them.

Because building something meaningful shouldn't mean destroying the person doing the building.

On the surface, everything looked perfect. I bought a house and remodeled the entire basement myself. I started dating the love of my life, Meghan—a relationship that fundamentally changed how I see everything. My company Boostcous went from a concept to a real brand with actual sales on real store shelves. KnoCommerce had one of its strongest years yet.

On paper, it looks like a "crushing it" year. The kind people screenshot and share on social media as proof of success.

But here's the part that didn't make it into any highlight reel.

The Hidden Cost of "Crushing It"

I broke my back. I spent three months on crutches, unable to move the way I was used to. During that time, I slid into the worst physical shape of my life. My sleep was wrecked. My energy was depleted. My head became increasingly noisy with stress and anxiety.

And instead of slowing down and recovering properly, I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

I pushed myself through 80–100 hour weeks, going all-in on KnoCommerce and Boostcous simultaneously. I put zero energy into taking care of myself. Somewhere in the chaos of building businesses while physically broken, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My entire identity became wrapped up in metrics and milestones:

• How's MRR looking?
• How's the product launch going?
• What are the Shopify sales numbers?
• What's the next big thing?

It's the same story many entrepreneurs are living right now. We just don't usually post about it on LinkedIn.

The Turning Point: Redefining Success

Going into 2026, I'm making a fundamental shift. I'm done optimizing solely for revenue growth.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the performative "work-life balance" we put on slide decks and company culture pages. I'm talking about actual, nervous-system-level balance. The kind that allows you to sustain high performance without destroying yourself in the process.

For me, balance isn't an abstract concept. It's a set of simple, non-negotiable commitments:

• Work out outside 3 days per week: Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes to get my body moving in nature.
• Hit the gym at least 2 days per week: I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury, which means dedicated strength training.
• Meditate 4 days per week: Even just 10 minutes of sitting still and not trying to solve problems.

That's it. No complex systems or elaborate routines. Just consistent, intentional practices that prioritize my physical and mental health.

Why Founders Need to Redefine "Growth"

Here's the uncomfortable truth I've learned: if I keep running at 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue to grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The startup world glorifies the grind. We celebrate founders who sacrifice everything for their companies. We share stories of people working through the night, pushing past their limits, and "doing whatever it takes."

But we rarely talk about what happens when your body forces you to stop. When your back breaks—literally or metaphorically. When the hustle becomes unsustainable and the crashes become inevitable.

Personal growth and business growth don't have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd argue that sustainable business growth requires sustainable personal practices. You can't pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes.

Moving Forward: Same Ambition, Different Approach

So yes, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life. I'm genuinely grateful for both sides of that equation.

The wins showed me what's possible when I commit fully to building something meaningful. The pain showed me what's not sustainable when I neglect everything else in pursuit of that vision.

Going into 2026, I have the same ambition. I'm working on the same companies. I'm tackling the same complex problems.

The difference? I'm bringing balance into how I approach those challenges.

Because success isn't just about what you build. It's about who you become in the process—and whether that person is still healthy, whole, and recognizable when you reach your goals.

If you're reading this and relating to any part of my story, I encourage you to ask yourself: what would balance look like in your life? Not someday when things slow down (they never will), but right now, in the middle of the chaos?

The answer might be simpler than you think. And it might just save you from learning these lessons the hard way.

2025 was a paradox – the best and worst year of my life, all rolled into one. On the surface, it looked like a resounding success. I bought a house and poured my heart into remodeling the entire basement. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, who profoundly changed my perspective. My ventures, Boostcous and KnoCommerce, experienced significant milestones, with Boostcous evolving from a concept to a tangible brand with real sales and shelf presence, and KnoCommerce achieving one of its strongest years yet.

It was the kind of year that looks great on paper, the kind people screenshot and share, a highlight reel of achievements. But behind the curated image, a different story unfolded.

The Unseen Struggles

The reality was far more complex. I broke my back, spending three months on crutches. My physical health deteriorated, my sleep patterns were disrupted, my energy levels plummeted, and my mind was in constant overdrive. Instead of heeding these warning signs, I fell into the trap that many founders do: I doubled down on work.

I was working 80-100 hour weeks, throwing myself entirely into KnoCommerce and Boostcous. My own well-being became an afterthought. Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My identity became inextricably linked to metrics: MRR, launch performance, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. This is a narrative that many of us share, but rarely discuss openly.

Redefining Success: Prioritizing Balance

As I look ahead, I'm shifting my focus from solely optimizing for revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts (3 days/week): Skiing, biking, hiking – anything to get outside and move.
• Gym Time (2 days/week): Rebuilding my back stronger than before the injury.
• Meditation (4 days/week): 10 minutes of simply…not solving problems. A chance to quiet the mind.

These are the pillars of my commitment to balance. Because if I continue to operate at 80-100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I won't. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life, and I'm grateful for both sides. The wins demonstrated what's possible. The pain highlighted what's unsustainable. Next year, I'll face the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges. But I'm determined to approach them with a renewed sense of balance, ensuring that my personal well-being remains a top priority alongside my professional goals. It's time to redefine success, not just by what we achieve, but by how we live.

2025 was a paradox. It was, in many ways, the best year of my life, filled with milestones and achievements. Yet, it was also one of the most challenging, pushing me to my limits both physically and mentally. I bought a house and poured my energy into remodeling the basement. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, a relationship that profoundly shifted my perspective. Business-wise, Boostcous evolved from a mere idea into a thriving brand with tangible sales and a presence on store shelves. KnoCommerce also experienced remarkable growth.

On paper, it looked like the quintessential "crushing it" year, the kind that gets screenshotted and flaunted. But the highlight reel omitted a crucial part of the story.

The Unseen Struggles

Behind the facade of success, I was struggling. I broke my back, confining me to crutches for three months. My physical health deteriorated, sleep became elusive, energy levels plummeted, and my mind was constantly racing. Instead of slowing down, I succumbed to the pressure to double down on work, a common trap for founders.

I plunged into 80–100 hour workweeks, dedicating myself entirely to KnoCommerce and Boostcous. In the process, I neglected myself. "Bar the human" was gradually replaced by "Bar the founder." My identity became intertwined with metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It's a familiar narrative for many of us, but one we rarely share publicly.

Prioritizing Balance in 2026

Going into 2026, I'm shifting my focus from solely optimizing for revenue to prioritizing balance. My word of the year is Balance – not the superficial "work-life balance" often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week (skiing, biking, hiking, etc.)
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week (to rebuild my back stronger than ever)
• Meditate 4 days per week (10 minutes of simply... not solving problems)

A Sustainable Path Forward

Continuing to work 80–100 hour weeks might lead to growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce, but it will come at the expense of my own well-being. That's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

2025 taught me invaluable lessons. The wins demonstrated what's achievable, while the pain highlighted what's unsustainable. In 2026, I'll maintain the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges, but with a renewed commitment to balance – tackling problems with a more sustainable and holistic approach.

2025. It's a year etched in my memory as both the pinnacle of achievement and the depths of personal struggle. On paper, it was a year of crushing it: a new house, a fully remodeled basement (by yours truly), a blossoming relationship with the incredible Meghan, the launch of Boostcous from concept to tangible brand, and a banner year for KnoCommerce. It looked like the kind of year people screenshot and share, a highlight reel of entrepreneurial success.

But behind the scenes, the reality was far more complex. The highlight reel didn't capture the broken back, the three months on crutches, the slide into the worst shape of my life, the sleepless nights, the depleted energy, and the relentless mental chatter. And instead of hitting the brakes, I doubled down – the classic founder move.

The Founder Identity Trap

Those 80-100 hour weeks became the norm, fueled by an all-in commitment to KnoCommerce and Boostcous. But somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It’s a story many of us live, a silent struggle often masked by the curated perfection of social media.

This experience has taught me a crucial lesson: optimizing solely for revenue is a losing game. As we head into the new year, it's time to redefine success.

Embracing Balance: My Word of the Year

My word for the coming year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" we pay lip service to, but a deep, nervous-system-level equilibrium. For me, this means establishing a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts (3x per week): Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to connect with nature and move my body.
• Gym Time (2x per week): Rebuilding strength and ensuring my back comes back stronger than ever.
• Meditation (4x per week): 10 minutes of quiet, a space to simply be without the pressure of problem-solving.

These aren't just resolutions; they're commitments to prioritize my well-being. Continuing to run at 80-100 hours per week might fuel growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce, but at the expense of my own growth and health. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Lessons Learned and a Path Forward

2025 was a year of extremes, a testament to both the heights we can reach and the unsustainable paths we can tread. I'm immensely grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins revealed what's possible, while the pain exposed what's not sustainable.

Next year, the ambition remains, the companies remain, and the problems remain. But the approach will be different. I'm committed to bringing more balance to the equation, tackling challenges with a renewed focus on well-being and a deeper understanding of what truly matters.

Actionable Insight: Take some time to honestly assess your own balance. Are you optimizing solely for professional success at the expense of your personal well-being? Identify 2-3 small, non-negotiable changes you can make to prioritize balance in your own life. Remember, sustainable success requires a holistic approach that nurtures both your business and yourself.

2025. It was a year of incredible highs and unexpected lows. I bought a house, remodeled the basement, and started dating someone amazing, Meghan, who fundamentally changed my perspective. My startup, Boostcous, went from a concept to a tangible brand with real sales. KnoCommerce also experienced a banner year. On paper, it looked like a resounding success.

But the highlight reel doesn't tell the whole story. It doesn't show the broken back, the three months on crutches, the worst shape of my life, the wrecked sleep, and the constant mental noise. Instead of slowing down, I did what many founders do: I doubled down on work. 80-100 hour weeks became the norm, leaving zero room for "Bar the human." My identity became solely defined by metrics like MRR, launch dates, and Shopify sales.

The Shift: Optimizing for More Than Revenue

Going into the new year, I'm making a conscious decision to optimize for more than just revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" we often see in presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. This requires setting non-negotiable boundaries.

My Non-Negotiable Rules for Balance

• Outdoor Workouts (3 days/week): Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to get outside and move.
• Gym (2 days/week): Rebuilding my back stronger than before the injury.
• Meditation (4 days/week): 10 minutes of simply not solving problems.

The Trade-Off: Growth vs. Sustainability

Continuing to work 80-100 hour weeks might lead to further growth for Boostcous and KnoCommerce. But at what cost? My own well-being and personal growth cannot be sacrificed. 2025 taught me that lesson. The wins showed me what's possible, while the pain revealed what's not sustainable.

Next year, I'm approaching the same ambition, the same companies, and the same problems with a commitment to balance. It's about finding a way to tackle challenges without sacrificing my health and overall well-being. I'm grateful for both the successes and the struggles of 2025, and I'm determined to build a more balanced and sustainable future.

On paper, 2025 looked like a resounding success. I bought a house and poured my heart (and sweat) into remodeling the basement myself. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, who has fundamentally changed my perspective on everything. My ventures also saw significant progress. Boostcous evolved from a mere concept into a thriving brand with tangible sales and shelf presence. KnoCommerce, too, experienced one of its most successful years. This is the kind of year people screenshot and share, a testament to apparent triumph.

The Unseen Struggles

But behind the veneer of success lay a different reality, one that rarely makes it to the highlight reel. I broke my back, a debilitating injury that left me on crutches for three long months. My physical health deteriorated, my sleep patterns were disrupted, my energy levels plummeted, and my mental state became increasingly turbulent.

Instead of heeding the warning signs and slowing down, I succumbed to the pressure often placed on founders: I doubled down on work. Eighty to 100-hour weeks became the norm, with unwavering focus on KnoCommerce and Boostcous. But in the process, I neglected the most important project: myself.

The Erosion of Identity

Somewhere along the line, "Bar the human" was quietly replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with the performance of my businesses. Questions like "How's MRR?" "How's the launch?" "How are Shopify sales?" and "What's next?" became my defining metrics. This is a story that resonates with many of us, yet we often hesitate to share it publicly.

As I look ahead to the coming year, I'm determined to shift my priorities. I'm no longer willing to optimize solely for revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" that's often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level equilibrium.

Finding True Balance: A Practical Approach

For me, achieving this balance involves establishing a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts: Engage in outdoor physical activity three days per week. Whether it's skiing, biking, hiking, or simply spending time in nature.
• Gym Time: Commit to at least two days per week in the gym. This is crucial for rebuilding my back strength and overall fitness.
• Meditation: Practice meditation four days per week, dedicating just 10 minutes to clearing my mind and detaching from problem-solving.

These rules are designed to prioritize my well-being and create space for personal growth. If I continue to work 80-100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I will not. And that's a sacrifice I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life, and I'm profoundly grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins demonstrated what's possible, while the pain revealed what's unsustainable. As I move forward, I carry the lessons learned, determined to build a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Next year, I approach the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges. But this time, I'm committed to bringing more balance to the equation. It's time to redefine success, not just by revenue, but by overall well-being.

2025 was a paradox. It was, without a doubt, the best year of my life, punctuated by incredible highs and profound lows. It was a year of building, both literally and figuratively. I bought a house and dove headfirst into remodeling the entire basement, a testament to DIY spirit and a desire to create something tangible.

Romantically, 2025 marked the beginning of something truly special. Meeting Meghan, the love of my life, shifted my perspective in ways I couldn't have imagined. This relationship alone redefined everything I thought I knew.

Professionally, the year was a whirlwind. Boostcous, a venture I'm deeply passionate about, transformed from a mere idea into a thriving brand, securing real sales and landing on store shelves. Meanwhile, KnoCommerce, another significant part of my life, experienced one of its most successful years to date.

On paper, 2025 looked like an unmitigated triumph, the kind of year people screenshot and boast about. But the highlight reel only tells half the story.

The Unseen Struggles

Behind the facade of success, I was struggling. I broke my back, a painful setback that left me on crutches for three long months. My physical health deteriorated, leading to the worst shape of my life. Sleep became a luxury, energy levels plummeted, and my mind was a constant source of noise.

Instead of heeding the warning signs and slowing down, I fell into the trap that many founders succumb to: I doubled down on work. Eighty to one-hundred-hour weeks became the norm, with every ounce of my energy poured into KnoCommerce and Boostcous. In the process, I neglected the most important asset: myself.

Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became intertwined with metrics and milestones: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It's a familiar narrative for many of us, but one we rarely share openly.

Prioritizing Balance: A New Approach

As I look ahead, I'm committed to a fundamental shift. I'm no longer willing to optimize solely for revenue. My word of the year is "Balance." Not the superficial "work-life balance" we often see in presentations, but a genuine, nervous-system-level equilibrium.

For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week. Skiing, biking, hiking – whatever it takes to connect with nature and move my body.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week. Rebuilding my back stronger than ever is a priority.
• Meditate 4 days per week. Even just 10 minutes of quiet, problem-solving-free time can make a huge difference.

These are the cornerstones of my commitment to balance. Because if I continue to run at an unsustainable pace, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I won't. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life. I'm grateful for both sides of the coin. The wins showed me what's possible, while the pain revealed what's not sustainable. Next year, I'm bringing the same ambition, the same dedication to my companies, and the same willingness to tackle challenges. But this time, I'm determined to approach those challenges with a greater sense of balance, ensuring that my personal well-being is not sacrificed at the altar of professional success. It's time to build a life, not just a business.

I bought a house. Remodeled the entire basement myself. Started dating the love of my life, Meghan—and that alone changed how I see everything. Boostcous went from idea to real brand with real sales on real shelves. KnoCommerce had one of our best years yet.

On paper, it looks like a "crushing it" year. The kind people screenshot and brag about.

But here's the part that didn't make it into any highlight reel.

When Success Costs Everything

I broke my back. Spent three months on crutches. I slid into the worst shape of my life—sleep wrecked, energy wrecked, head noisy.

And instead of slowing down, I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in there, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My entire identity became: How's MRR? How's the launch? How are Shopify sales? What's the next thing?

It's the same story a lot of us are living. We just don't usually post about it.

The Hidden Cost of Founder Culture

The startup world glorifies the grind. We celebrate the all-nighters, the sacrifices, the "whatever it takes" mentality. And for good reason—building something from nothing requires extraordinary effort and commitment.

But there's a dangerous illusion baked into that narrative: that more hours always equals more progress. That if you're not working yourself to exhaustion, you're not serious enough.

I bought into that completely. And while my companies grew, I didn't. In fact, I shrunk—physically, mentally, emotionally.

The truth that took me far too long to learn: sustainable growth requires a sustainable founder. You can't build long-term value from a depleted state.

My Word for the Year: Balance

So going into next year, I'm done optimizing only for revenue.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides. Actual, nervous-system-level balance.

For me, that looks like a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Work out outside 3 days per week: Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week: I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury.
• Meditate 4 days per week: 10 minutes of just...not solving problems.

That's it. Nothing revolutionary. But for someone who's been running at full throttle for years, these simple commitments represent a fundamental shift in priorities.

The New Definition of Success

Because if I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

I've learned that real success isn't just about what you build—it's about who you become while building it. It's about whether you can actually enjoy the wins when they come. Whether you have the energy and presence to nurture the relationships that matter most.

The wins showed me what's possible. The pain showed me what's not sustainable.

Next year: same ambition, same companies, same problems. But I'm bringing balance into how I tackle those problems.

For Fellow Founders: You're Not Alone

If you're reading this and seeing yourself in my story, know that you're not alone. The pressure to perform, to grow, to prove yourself—it's real, and it's relentless.

But so is the cost of ignoring your own well-being.

I'm sharing this not because I've figured it all out, but because I'm committed to figuring it out. Because I believe we can build exceptional companies without destroying ourselves in the process.

2025 was the best and worst year of my life. I'm grateful for both sides.

Here's to a more balanced 2026.

2025 was simultaneously the best and worst year of my life. Here's what happened when success came at the cost of everything else.

The Highlight Reel

On paper, 2025 was extraordinary:

• Bought a house and remodeled the entire basement myself
• Started dating Meghan, the love of my life
• Launched Boostcous from idea to real brand with actual sales on retail shelves
• KnoCommerce had one of its best years yet

It's the kind of year people screenshot and post about. The "crushing it" year.

The Part Nobody Sees

But here's what didn't make the highlight reel:

I broke my back. Three months on crutches. Slid into the worst shape of my life. Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy.

And instead of slowing down, I did what founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

80–100 hour weeks. All-in on Kno. All-in on Boostcous. Zero-in on me.

Somewhere in there, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My Word for 2026: Balance

Not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides. Actual, nervous-system-level balance.

Here are my three non-negotiable rules:

🏔️ Work out outside 3x per week

Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes.

💪 Gym 2x per week

I want my back to come back stronger than ever.

🧘 Meditate 4x per week

10 minutes of just... not solving problems.

That's it.

The Trade I Won't Make Again

If I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow.

But I won't.

And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins showed me what's possible.
The pain showed me what's not sustainable.

Next year: same ambition, same companies, same problems.

But I'm bringing balance to how I tackle them.

2025 was supposed to be a victory lap. On paper, it looked like the kind of year every entrepreneur dreams about. I bought a house, launched Boostcous as a real brand with real retail presence, and watched KnoCommerce hit record numbers. I started dating Meghan, who changed how I see everything. The highlight reel was perfect.

But behind those wins was a reality I wasn't posting about: a broken back, three months on crutches, and 80–100 hour weeks that nearly broke me in ways an injury never could.

When Success Becomes Unsustainable

The founder playbook is simple: when things get hard, work harder. So that's exactly what I did. While recovering from a back injury, instead of slowing down, I doubled down. I poured everything into my companies, convinced that hustle was the only answer.

Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" quietly disappeared, replaced entirely by "Bar the founder." My entire identity became metrics: MRR, launch numbers, Shopify sales, the next milestone. Sleep suffered. Energy tanked. My head got noisy with the constant problem-solving that never shut off.

I slid into the worst shape of my life—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. And the hardest part? I knew I wasn't alone. This is the same story countless founders are living but rarely talk about publicly.

Redefining Balance for 2026

Going into next year, I'm making a fundamental shift. My word for 2026 is Balance—not the corporate buzzword version we put on slides, but actual, nervous-system-level balance that keeps me human while building companies.

For me, that means three non-negotiable commitments:

• Work out outside 3 days per week — skiing, biking, hiking, whatever gets me moving in nature
• Hit the gym at least 2 days per week — rebuilding my back stronger than it was before the injury
• Meditate 4 days per week — just 10 minutes of not solving problems, not optimizing, not strategizing

That's it. Simple, but non-negotiable.

The Trade I'm No Longer Willing to Make

Here's what I've learned: if I keep running at this pace, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue growing. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins of 2025 showed me what's possible when I'm fully committed. The pain showed me what's not sustainable. Both lessons were necessary. Both shaped what comes next.

So next year: same ambition, same companies, same big problems to solve. But I'm bringing a different version of myself to the table—one that understands that sustainable success requires a sustainable founder.

The work matters. The companies matter. But so do I. That's the balance I'm chasing in 2026.

But here's what didn't make the highlight reel: I broke my back, spent three months on crutches, fell into the worst shape of my life, and replaced "Bar the human" with "Bar the founder."

The Founder's Trap: When Success Costs Everything

Instead of slowing down after my injury, I did what founders are taught to do: I doubled down. 80–100 hour weeks became my norm. My entire identity shrunk to a handful of metrics: MRR, launch dates, Shopify sales, and what's next.

Sleep wrecked. Energy wrecked. Head noisy.

It's the same story many of us are living—we just don't usually post about it. We optimize for revenue while our bodies and minds quietly send distress signals we've learned to ignore.

Balance: My Non-Negotiable Rules for 2025

Going into next year, I'm done optimizing only for revenue. My word for the year is Balance—not the fake "work-life balance" we put on slides, but actual, nervous-system-level balance.

Here's what that looks like for me:

• Work out outside 3 days per week – Skiing, biking, hiking. Whatever it takes.
• Be in the gym at least 2 days per week – My back needs to come back stronger than ever.
• Meditate 4 days per week – Just 10 minutes of not solving problems.

That's it. Simple. Non-negotiable.

The Trade I'm No Longer Willing to Make

If I keep running 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The wins of 2025 showed me what's possible. The pain showed me what's not sustainable. Next year brings the same ambition, same companies, same problems—but I'm bringing a different version of myself to tackle them.

Because building something meaningful shouldn't mean destroying the person doing the building.

On the surface, everything looked perfect. I bought a house and remodeled the entire basement myself. I started dating the love of my life, Meghan—a relationship that fundamentally changed how I see everything. My company Boostcous went from a concept to a real brand with actual sales on real store shelves. KnoCommerce had one of its strongest years yet.

On paper, it looks like a "crushing it" year. The kind people screenshot and share on social media as proof of success.

But here's the part that didn't make it into any highlight reel.

The Hidden Cost of "Crushing It"

I broke my back. I spent three months on crutches, unable to move the way I was used to. During that time, I slid into the worst physical shape of my life. My sleep was wrecked. My energy was depleted. My head became increasingly noisy with stress and anxiety.

And instead of slowing down and recovering properly, I did the thing founders are taught to do: I doubled down on work.

I pushed myself through 80–100 hour weeks, going all-in on KnoCommerce and Boostcous simultaneously. I put zero energy into taking care of myself. Somewhere in the chaos of building businesses while physically broken, "Bar the human" quietly got replaced by "Bar the founder."

My entire identity became wrapped up in metrics and milestones:

• How's MRR looking?
• How's the product launch going?
• What are the Shopify sales numbers?
• What's the next big thing?

It's the same story many entrepreneurs are living right now. We just don't usually post about it on LinkedIn.

The Turning Point: Redefining Success

Going into 2026, I'm making a fundamental shift. I'm done optimizing solely for revenue growth.

My word of the year is Balance.

Not the performative "work-life balance" we put on slide decks and company culture pages. I'm talking about actual, nervous-system-level balance. The kind that allows you to sustain high performance without destroying yourself in the process.

For me, balance isn't an abstract concept. It's a set of simple, non-negotiable commitments:

• Work out outside 3 days per week: Skiing, biking, hiking—whatever it takes to get my body moving in nature.
• Hit the gym at least 2 days per week: I want my back to come back stronger than ever after this injury, which means dedicated strength training.
• Meditate 4 days per week: Even just 10 minutes of sitting still and not trying to solve problems.

That's it. No complex systems or elaborate routines. Just consistent, intentional practices that prioritize my physical and mental health.

Why Founders Need to Redefine "Growth"

Here's the uncomfortable truth I've learned: if I keep running at 80–100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might continue to grow. But I won't. And that's not a trade I'm willing to make again.

The startup world glorifies the grind. We celebrate founders who sacrifice everything for their companies. We share stories of people working through the night, pushing past their limits, and "doing whatever it takes."

But we rarely talk about what happens when your body forces you to stop. When your back breaks—literally or metaphorically. When the hustle becomes unsustainable and the crashes become inevitable.

Personal growth and business growth don't have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, I'd argue that sustainable business growth requires sustainable personal practices. You can't pour from an empty cup, as the saying goes.

Moving Forward: Same Ambition, Different Approach

So yes, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life. I'm genuinely grateful for both sides of that equation.

The wins showed me what's possible when I commit fully to building something meaningful. The pain showed me what's not sustainable when I neglect everything else in pursuit of that vision.

Going into 2026, I have the same ambition. I'm working on the same companies. I'm tackling the same complex problems.

The difference? I'm bringing balance into how I approach those challenges.

Because success isn't just about what you build. It's about who you become in the process—and whether that person is still healthy, whole, and recognizable when you reach your goals.

If you're reading this and relating to any part of my story, I encourage you to ask yourself: what would balance look like in your life? Not someday when things slow down (they never will), but right now, in the middle of the chaos?

The answer might be simpler than you think. And it might just save you from learning these lessons the hard way.

2025 was a paradox – the best and worst year of my life, all rolled into one. On the surface, it looked like a resounding success. I bought a house and poured my heart into remodeling the entire basement. My personal life blossomed as I started dating Meghan, who profoundly changed my perspective. My ventures, Boostcous and KnoCommerce, experienced significant milestones, with Boostcous evolving from a concept to a tangible brand with real sales and shelf presence, and KnoCommerce achieving one of its strongest years yet.

It was the kind of year that looks great on paper, the kind people screenshot and share, a highlight reel of achievements. But behind the curated image, a different story unfolded.

The Unseen Struggles

The reality was far more complex. I broke my back, spending three months on crutches. My physical health deteriorated, my sleep patterns were disrupted, my energy levels plummeted, and my mind was in constant overdrive. Instead of heeding these warning signs, I fell into the trap that many founders do: I doubled down on work.

I was working 80-100 hour weeks, throwing myself entirely into KnoCommerce and Boostcous. My own well-being became an afterthought. Somewhere along the way, "Bar the human" was replaced by "Bar the founder." My identity became inextricably linked to metrics: MRR, launch performance, Shopify sales, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. This is a narrative that many of us share, but rarely discuss openly.

Redefining Success: Prioritizing Balance

As I look ahead, I'm shifting my focus from solely optimizing for revenue. My word of the year is Balance. Not the superficial "work-life balance" often presented in corporate presentations, but genuine, nervous-system-level balance. For me, this translates into a few simple, non-negotiable rules:

• Outdoor Workouts (3 days/week): Skiing, biking, hiking – anything to get outside and move.
• Gym Time (2 days/week): Rebuilding my back stronger than before the injury.
• Meditation (4 days/week): 10 minutes of simply…not solving problems. A chance to quiet the mind.

These are the pillars of my commitment to balance. Because if I continue to operate at 80-100 hour weeks, Boostcous and KnoCommerce might flourish, but I won't. And that's a trade I'm no longer willing to make.

Grateful for the Lessons Learned

So, 2025 was both the best and worst year of my life, and I'm grateful for both sides. The wins demonstrated what's possible. The pain highlighted what's unsustainable. Next year, I'll face the same ambition, the same companies, and the same challenges. But I'm determined to approach them with a renewed sense of balance, ensuring that my personal well-being remains a top priority alongside my professional goals. It's time to redefine success, not just by what we achieve, but by how we live.