In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Rob, the founder of Washie, a revolutionary toilet seat that prioritizes hygiene and convenience. Rob shares his heartfelt story about his late friend, an entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on his life and the startup community. Join us as we explore Rob's entrepreneurial path, from his initial idea sparked at the Salt Lake City Airport to the challenges he faced while launching his product. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the importance of mental health, and the support systems that helped him navigate tough times. Rob also recounts his unique experience of traveling to China with a local waiter, his journey on Shark Tank, and the pivotal moments that led to Washei's recent success in the market. With insights on building a business, the significance of community, and the lessons learned along the way, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the realities of startup life.
00:00 - Introduction and Tribute to GLAAD 00:30 - Connection with GLAAD 01:15 - First Impressions of GLAAD 02:00 - The Entrepreneurial Journey Together 03:00 - The Impact of GLAAD's Passing 04:00 - Mental Health in Entrepreneurship 05:30 - Rob's Journey as an Entrepreneur 06:00 - The Founding Story of Washie 08:00 - Challenges Faced on Shark Tank 10:00 - The Decision to Keep Going 12:00 - The Role of YouTube in Learning 15:00 - Manufacturing and the Trip to China 18:00 - Building Relationships in China 20:00 - Funding and the COVID Impact 22:00 - Raising Money and Building a Community 24:00 - First Major Sales Win 26:00 - The Importance of Clean Restrooms 28:00 - Future Opportunities for Washie 30:00 - Overcoming Low Points 32:00 - Family Challenges and Moving to Utah 34:00 - Dealing with Bullying 36:00 - Reflections on Mental Health 38:00 - Looking Ahead for Washie 40:00 - The Value of the Entrepreneurial Journey 42:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Washie CEO Rob Poleki

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Rob, the founder of Washie, a revolutionary toilet seat that prioritizes hygiene and convenience. Rob shares his heartfelt story about his late friend, an entrepreneur who left a lasting impact on his life and the startup community.Join us as we explore [&hellip;]