In this episode of the 2X eCommerce Podcast, Kunle Campbell interviews Alex Neist, the founder of Hostage Tape, a disruptive sleep brand. Alex shares his journey from managing a SaaS business to creating and rapidly scaling Hostage Tape into a multi-million dollar business. He discusses how personal struggles with sleep and health led him to discover mouth taping, and how he used his entrepreneurial skills to fill a market gap with a unique product. Alex delves into the innovative strategies he employed, including running his own Facebook ads, even when the company was generating $14 million in revenue. He highlights the importance of effective branding and influencer partnerships in scaling the brand's awareness. Alex also touches on the personal challenges he overcame, including divorce and burnout, and how these experiences shaped his business approach and product development.The episode covers Alex's approach to market research, emphasizing the significant total addressable market for his product. He discusses the brand's rapid growth, significant partnerships with entities like the UFC and Joe Rogan, and the use of influencer marketing to drive awareness and sales. Listeners will gain insights into building a strong brand, effective advertising strategies, and leveraging personal experiences to create impactful products. (00:00) - $40M Revenue in Year 3: How Meta Ads, Strategic Branding, and Influencers Drive Hostage Tape's Success → Alex Neist (01:00) - Introduction to the 2x eCommerce Podcast (03:15) - Alex Neist's Journey: From Athlete to Entrepreneur (12:09) - The Birth of Hostage Tape (19:26) - Scaling Hostage Tape to Success (24:59) - Marketing Strategies and Brand Building (43:57) - Team Building and Company Culture (47:09) - Building a Positive Team Culture (48:16) - The Success Behind Hostage Tape (50:11) - Joe Rogan Sponsorship Journey (52:23) - Influencer Marketing Strategies (01:05:16) - The Science of Nose Breathing (01:17:37) - Retail Expansion Plans (01:23:07) - Mindset and Visualization Techniques (01:29:59) - Rapid Fire Questions Guest’s Links:Website: Hostage TapeLinkedIn: Alex’s LinkedIn ProfileLinkedIn: Hostage Tapes' LinkedInIG: Hostage Tape's IG Connect with 2X eCommerce: Website: 2X eCommerce WebsiteInstagram: 2X eCommerce InstagramTwitter: 2X eCommerce TwitterYouTube: 2X eCommerce YouTubeSubscribe to Our Newsletter:Stay updated with the latest insights and tips by subscribing to our newsletter here. Get a Copy of Kunle’s BookElevate your e-commerce game with Kunle Campbell's book, "E-Commerce Growth Strategy: A Brand-Driven Approach to Attract Shoppers, Build Community and Retain Customers." Discover practical strategies and insights to boost your e-commerce growth. Amazon: Buy on AmazonWalmart: Buy on WalmartKogan Page: Buy on Kogan PageBarnes & Noble: Buy on Barnes & NobleWHSmith: Buy on WHSmithCreators & Guests Alex Neist - Guest Kunle Campbell - Host