Advice Line with Chieh Huang of Boxed

In this episode of How I Built This's Advice Line, host Guy Raz brings back Chieh Huang, co-founder of Boxed, to advise three early-stage founders navigating critical growth challenges. Alec from Surfing Cow, a natural skincare brand using beef tallow, seeks guidance on scaling production without losing his brand’s soul. Chieh and Guy emphasize the urgency of transitioning from home-based manufacturing to a co-manufacturer, warning that manual fulfillment won’t sustain $200k+ in annual sales. They also encourage Alec to consider small, strategic investments to secure production capacity. Jessica from Tail Cinch, a sustainable equine product brand, asks whether listing on platforms like Chewy is worth the thin margins. Chieh advises yes, if it drives brand awareness and customer acquisition, but cautions about long payment cycles and working capital strain. He also suggests leveraging the overlap between horse and pet owners to expand reach. Eli from McCore Coffee, an anti-inflammatory coffee blend, struggles with product overflow in drip machines. The team recommends creating a specialized formulation for larger brews, exploring single-serve pouches like Justin’s nut butter, and targeting office distribution. Chieh closes with a powerful reflection on entrepreneurship: the journey itself is the reward, not just the outcome. Despite Boxed’s bankruptcy, he remains passionate about problem-solving and impact.