Growing from $16 million in revenue in 2018 to $360 million in 2021 brought many challenges for Solo Brands, including maintaining customer experience and meeting consumer demand. CEO John Merris says he had to plan for, “setting up a supply chain, building a warehousing and fulfillment operation, scaling our customer service department, and developing product innovations. The greatest challenges present the greatest opportunities.” Solo Brands has expanded beyond its signature Solo Stove line of outdoor stoves and firepits to include Oru Kayak, Chubbies men’s shorts and swim trunks, and ISLE Paddle Boards. Merris says he has learned to think big. “Being realistic is the quickest path to mediocrity,” he says.
Education
The University of Texas at Austin (MBA), Brigham Young University (BA)
First Job
“I hustled as a kid mowing lawns and detailing RVs with a buddy. I learned that hard work beats talent and that something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it—no more and no less.”
Proud Moment
“Over the last 12 months, we have made significant strides in wholesale penetration, rapidly gaining shelf space while increasing our door count. Recently, we reached a milestone of getting in 5,000 retail doors.”
Key Strategies
“Take great care of people, use speed as a competitive advantage, and see challenges as opportunities.”
Dinner Party
“If I could have dinner with any two DFW business leaders, I’d choose Mark Cuban, because I’m drawn to his energy, his candor, his winner mentality, and his celebration of self-made entrepreneurs, and Jason McCann of Vari—the most-purposeful and value-oriented leader I know.”
Destinations of Choice
“Cabo San Lucas and Park City, Utah”
Local Fare
“Del Frisco Grille: ahi tuna tacos to start, followed by a wedge salad and filet”
Guilty Pleasure
“Enjoying an Icee and popcorn at the cinema”
Pivotal Moment
“When I was doing my undergraduate studies, I planned to go to law school. But at the end of my senior year, my wife and I decided to take a leap of faith and go the entrepreneurial route. Ultimately, my wife has been my greatest advisor and coach, and following her lead has always resulted in better outcomes in my life.”
First Car
“It was a two-door Chevy Tahoe. It looked like the old-style Bronco, and it was such a fun vehicle to drive, growing up in the country outside of Georgetown.”
Walk-Up Song
“I’d choose ‘Remember the Name’ by Fort Minor. I love the message that there are so many elements to success, but sacrifice and pain are part of the process, plus the beat is fire.”
Must-Read
“I recommend What it Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence by Stephen A. Schwarzman. It’s a great read that displays the many qualities that matter to find outsized success.”
Embarrassing Moment
“Recently, I was showing off my horseback riding skills to my kids, and I got thrown from the horse. It was definitely not my finest moment.”
Bucket List
“Mountaineering the Swiss Alps near the Matterhorn”
Author
