Keith Kohler launches his new podcast "How I Financed It" with a candid conversation featuring Ora Organic co-founders Ron and Will, who share their decade-long journey from maxed-out credit cards in the beginning to sustainable profitability today.

The founders reveal how their personal motivations—Will's frustration with supplement transparency during his "junk food vegan" days and Ron's family health challenges—fueled their mission to create plant-based, organic supplements with traceable ingredients. Their financing path unfolds like a masterclass in entrepreneurial resilience, starting with $150,000 from friends and family, progressing through SBA loans, and leveraging a Shark Tank appearance to secure a million-dollar convertible note.

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is the founders' transparency about pivoting when necessary. They explain why they scaled back retail operations despite initial success, focusing instead on direct-to-consumer channels where their marketing dollars worked harder. When the pandemic dried up equity markets, they resisted the common advice to "take a hatchet" to their business, instead making incremental efficiency improvements that preserved growth while achieving profitability.

The conversation offers a wealth of practical financing wisdom rarely shared so openly. Will admits he would have "started with the finance side earlier," focusing on profitability from day one, while Ron emphasizes maintaining relationships through difficult times. Their recent equity financing marks not an overnight success but the culmination of calculated decisions, strategic pivots, and unwavering commitment to product quality.

Whether you're bootstrapping your first venture or navigating growth challenges in an established business, this episode delivers invaluable insights into financing options beyond the traditional equity path. Connect with Keith on LinkedIn at Keith Kohler1 to continue the conversation about financing strategies for your business journey.