Building Through Broken Glass - Chieh Huang - Boxed - Episode #77

Update: 2025-12-02

Description

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a company from your garage to a public entity?

In this episode, Chieh Huang shares the raw, unfiltered story of building Boxed from a garage into a national e-commerce brand serving tens of millions of customers, and the emotional toll, unlikely breakthroughs, and market forces that shaped every chapter of the journey. He reflects on the lonely months of almost no orders, the overnight surge that changed everything, the pressure of becoming a public company CEO, and the reality that even the strongest operators can’t outrun macro cycles.

Chieh also opens up about what happens after the final chapter closes, the exhaustion, the identity shift, and the unexpected necessity of real recovery. His honesty about the highs, lows, and lessons he’s taking into his next company makes this a powerful episode for founders navigating their own versions of the broken-glass analogy.

Takeaways:

From Humble Beginnings to a Notable Success: Chieh Huang started Boxed in 2013 right from his garage, with only dreams and a strong will to succeed. Within a few years, Boxed scaled to become a renowned online wholesale retailer, serving millions.
The Challenge of Maintaining Purpose: Chieh emphasizes the importance of cultivating an intrinsic purpose within a company. At Boxed, the sense of purpose wasn’t predefined but evolved over time as the team grew, particularly among the fulfillment center workers.
The Rollercoaster Ride of Fundraising: Chieh's journey wasn't without financial hurdles. While initial investments were relatively easier owing to his prior success in the gaming industry, subsequent rounds posed challenges, reflecting the inconsistent nature of venture funding.
Consumer Business Dynamics: Chieh discusses the unpredictability of consumer businesses, highlighting how a single viral moment or endorsement can drastically influence a company's success, unlike enterprise businesses that grow through steady acquisition of clients.
Public Company Experience: Huang's experience in taking Boxed public via a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) taught him that public market dynamics significantly differ from private ventures
Handling Burnout: Chieh and David discuss the inevitability of burnout in an entrepreneur's journey and the importance of managing it proactively through short breaks, personal downtime, and stepping away when necessary to recharge.

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