How to Create a Product From Prototype to Launch: Operators Build (E2)
OPERATORS · with Mike Beckham, Sean Frank, Curtis Christopherson · August 31, 2026 · 46 min
Summary
This episode offers an unfiltered, real-time look into the crucial product development decisions made by seasoned operators launching a new supplement. Learn how nine-figure entrepreneurs balance risk and capital, meticulously determining SKUs, MOQs, pricing, and supply chain strategies. It’s an essential listen for any ecommerce operator navigating the complexities of bringing a new product from prototype to market, demonstrating practical application of financial and operational planning.
Key takeaways
When launching a new product, meticulously calculate MOQ and inventory budget to minimize initial capital risk, as demonstrated by the $75K inventory budget decision.
Prioritize a lean SKU strategy for new launches; reducing flavor count or variations can significantly simplify logistics and financial exposure.
Thoroughly vet supply chain partners and understand potential pitfalls, as a past supply chain mistake cost hundreds of thousands to fix, highlighting the importance of robust operational planning.
Engage diverse expertise (CEO, Growth, Manufacturing) in product decision-making to gain comprehensive perspectives on pricing, sourcing, and operational efficiency.
Consider the long-term implications of every product decision, from flavor count to purchase order size, on overall unit economics and brand positioning.
What does a real product development process look like when 9-figure operators are betting their own money? Mike Beckham (CEO, Simple Modern), Sean Frank (CEO, Ridge), and Curtis Christopherson (Chief Growth Officer, Ammortal) sit down mid-build on Winks, a family sleep supplement, to make product decisions. Go behind the scenes on flavor count, purchase order size, pricing, sourcing, and the supply chain mistake from Trevi that cost hundreds of thousands to fix. This is an actual founder meeting. Recorded, unedited, and real money at stake. Mike breaks down the MOQ math behind every multi-SKU decision. Sean argues for the smallest possible capital bet. Curtis brings the manufacturer’s-eye view. It ends with one flavor, $75K inventory budget, and a purchase order due in two weeks. If you’re figuring out how to launch a new product from scratch, this episode was made for you. Powered By SARAL https://www.getsaral.com/special-guided-walkthrough-for-operators Shoplift https://shoplift.ai/operators Omnisend https://www.omnisend.com/9operators Richpanel https://9ops.co/richpanel Motion https://9ops.co/motion-runneth Skio https://9ops.co/skio-9operators Operators Portal https://portal.9operators.com/dashboard
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
When launching a new product, meticulously calculate MOQ and inventory budget to minimize initial capital risk, as demonstrated by the $75K inventory budget decision.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Prioritize a lean SKU strategy for new launches; reducing flavor count or variations can significantly simplify logistics and financial exposure.
What does this episode say about finance & fundraising?
Thoroughly vet supply chain partners and understand potential pitfalls, as a past supply chain mistake cost hundreds of thousands to fix, highlighting the importance of robust operational planning.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Engage diverse expertise (CEO, Growth, Manufacturing) in product decision-making to gain comprehensive perspectives on pricing, sourcing, and operational efficiency.
What does this episode say about product & merchandising?
Consider the long-term implications of every product decision, from flavor count to purchase order size, on overall unit economics and brand positioning.
