Episode 98 "The One With XDOG" with special guest Stan Smith

The Big Dog Podcast

When Stan Smith first laid eyes on that Craigslist pit bull, little did he know it would pave the way to founding X-Dog and revolutionizing the canine supplement industry. Join us as we uncover Stan's journey from a troubled childhood companioned by loyal dogs, to breaking into and rising above the pushback of the established dog community, and onto the inception of X-Dog, a testament to his dedication to improving dog well-being. We tackle the challenges of e-commerce, the significance of quality in pet supplements, and how Stan's personal mission morphed into a thriving business that's setting new standards in the canine world.
Navigating the intricacies of product quality and inventory management, the episode reveals the hurdles and eureka moments in the development of the X-Dog V4 series. We'll share how this functional dog harness is changing the game in canine fitness and weight management, maintaining an impeccable safety record while combating dog obesity. Our candid conversation also highlights the lessons learned in business management, the impact of strategic partnerships, and the future plans for X-Dog as we gear up to reach our ambitious goal of impacting a million dogs a year.
But it's not all business; we open the door to the personal side as well. Balancing entrepreneurship with family life, the pride of raising bilingual children, and the hard-earned rewards of a successful venture, we explore the multifaceted life of a CEO. We wrap up with a crucial discussion on leadership, the value of accountability, and the transformation that comes from embracing collaboration. So, if you're passionate about dogs, interested in the intersection of personal growth and business, or simply looking for a story of resilience and success, this episode is ready to captivate and inform.

Chapter

1. Dog Lover to X-Dog CEO (00:00:00)

2. Challenges and Lessons in Pet Products (00:07:26)

3. Functional Dog Harness Innovation and Manufacturing (00:14:38)

4. Manufacturing and Business Management Lessons (00:22:07)

5. Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans (00:26:19)

6. Starting a Business and Family Journey (00:33:50)

7. Lessons in Leadership and Accountability (00:42:16)