Texas Smokes
Texas Smokes was conceptualized by the founder of Texas Snacks, inspired by the success of small smokers being sold at a popular gas station chain. The business aimed to sell these smokers online, leveraging the demand generated through the Texas Snacks customer base.
Why It Works
The business model was based on identifying a successful product and creating a dedicated online platform for it. The founder was able to tap into existing customer awareness from Texas Snacks to drive initial sales.
Revenue & Traction
The founder mentioned selling smokers at a markup from $100 to around $160-$170, but ultimately the venture was abandoned as it proved to be a distraction from the core business.
Founding Story
The founder’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Texas Snacks, which then provided insights into product demand that inspired the launch of Texas Smokes. However, recognizing the potential distraction, he chose to refocus on Texas Snacks.
Business Playbook
1. Identify trending products within your existing business or market that show high demand. 2. Create a dedicated e-commerce site for the product, ensuring it has a user-friendly design. 3. Use paid ads (like Facebook Ads) to drive traffic to the new site, particularly targeting existing customers. 4. Monitor sales data to assess profitability and demand, adjusting your marketing strategy as needed. 5. Be prepared to pivot or abandon the project if it detracts from your primary business focus.
Additional Information
The founder's experience with Texas Snacks provided him with valuable insights into market trends, emphasizing the importance of understanding your customer base and avoiding distractions that could dilute your primary business efforts.
Source
Podcast: Koerner Office
Episode: Part 2/3: Every Business I've Ever Started. Ep. #021
Creation Date: March 5, 2025
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