How I Built and Sold SALT & STONE

27 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Episode

27 Mar 2026 · 29 min

0:00

In this podcast episode, host Jordi Hays and co‑host Speaker A interview Nima Jalali, the former professional snowboarder who founded the CPG brand Salt & Stone. Jalali recounts his early life in La Cañada, his decade‑long snowboarding career, and the transition to entrepreneurship. He explains how the company began with a profitable sunscreen line, then moved to a differentiated clean‑deodorant that emphasized sophisticated scent and aesthetics, filling a gap in the market. The conversation covers Salt & Stone’s go‑to‑market strategy—early retail placement, a six‑month intensive branding effort modeled after legacy brands rather than influencer‑driven tactics, and a focus on creating a brand retailers want. Jalali describes the company’s financial discipline: profitability from day one, minimal reliance on venture capital, and a strategic partnership with Advent/Humble Growth for international expansion and a partial exit. He details the evolution of the team from a solo founder to a remote organization of about 50‑55 employees, emphasizing high hiring standards. International growth includes Sephora Canada/UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The interview concludes with Jalali’s advice to aspiring CPG founders—go all‑in, follow instinct, prioritize product excellence over work‑life balance myths, and study incumbent giants rather than niche competitors. Throughout, he stresses building a lasting legacy brand rather than a short‑term influencer venture.

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