In this episode Cristina Ashbaugh, co-founder of Yardsale, shares how she and co-founder Kelly McGee reinvented the ski pole by adding magnets and modular design, starting with taped-together prototypes in her San Francisco apartment. With no industry experience the duo launched their business unconventionally: through NYC subway ads, cold-calling ski shops as a “student researcher,” and a rehearsed Shark Tank pitch that secured an investment from Kendra Scott. Cristina discusses tactical strategies, including DIY PR that landed Fast Company coverage, managing wholesale complexity with customizable products, why they’re running their own fulfillment instead of using a 3PL, and expanding beyond ski poles into bags and technical apparel for the “90% of skiers.”
