#18: Dan Caldwell -Tapout Founder, Achiever Of A9-Figure Exit, Foundational Member of MMA

Welcome to The Founder Podcast, where we delve into the extraordinary journeys of some of the world's most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs. I'm your host, Chris Lee, a serial entrepreneur with a passion for building and growing businesses. Over my career, I've founded multiple nine-figure ventures, and now, I'm eager to share the invaluable lessons I've learned with you. This podcast isn't just for entrepreneurs; it's for anyone seeking inspiration from the incredible stories of individuals who have triumphed over immense challenges to create something truly remarkable. In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Dan Caldwell, a true rockstar entrepreneur and co-founder of Tapout. Before becoming a renowned entrepreneur, Dan's path led him to a career in law enforcement. However, his passion for entrepreneurship always lingered in the background. He and his partner stumbled upon the exciting world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and saw the potential for creating a brand that caters to the rising demand for MMA merchandise. The journey to success was no smooth ride. Dan and his partner hustled tirelessly, maxing out credit cards, and living on the edge to keep their business afloat. They saw potential in The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show centered around UFC fighters, and took bold actions to get their brand in front of the right people. Their ingenious tactics paid off, and Tapout skyrocketed to prominence when their logo was prominently featured on the broadcast, reaching millions of viewers. Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and meet the remarkable founders who have shaped it today. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with invaluable insights from one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs of our time. Let's dive in and uncover the true essence of what it takes to build an empire from scratch. HIGHLIGHTS "We saw the potential in mixed martial arts. It was more than just a sport; it was a culture waiting to be embraced." "Entrepreneurship is about taking calculated risks and being willing to bet on yourself when no one else will." "Every obstacle we faced was an opportunity in disguise. It's about having the vision to see beyond the challenges." TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Introduction 03:21: Best Friends 08:35: Failure Is Not An Option 11:35: Early Risks 15:21: The Turning Point 21:26: Sleeping On Floors 25:01: Adding Value  27:55: The Biggest Fight  35:38: Dana White’s Guidance  42:41: Howard Carter’s Story 48:49: Selling The Company 1:07:22: The Importance Of Social Media 🚀 Join my community - Founder Acceleration https://www.founderacceleration.com 🤯 Apply for our next Mastermind https://www.thefoundermastermind.com ⛳️ Golf with Chris https://www.golfwithchris.com 🎤 Watch my latest Podcast Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founder-podcast/id1687030281 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1e0cL2vI1JAtQrojSOA7D2?si=dc252f8540ee4b05 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefounderspodcast