E16: The CFO of Thread’s Guide to Navigating Tariff Impacts

Update: 2025-09-16

Description

Summary

In this episode of the Ecommerce Finance Podcast, Stephen Brown interviews Ryan King, CFO of Thread, discussing the evolution of the company from handcrafted wallets to a diversified manufacturing model. They delve into the complexities of navigating tariffs, the impact on pricing strategies, and the importance of supply chain diversification.

Ryan shares insights on managing costs, consumer behavior in response to price changes, and the future challenges facing the business as they adapt to a changing economic landscape.

Takeaways

Thread started in 2014 with a simple idea of a better rubber band.
The company evolved from handcrafted products to industrial manufacturing.
Diversifying the supply chain helped mitigate risks associated with tariffs.
Tariffs have a significant impact on pricing and consumer demand.
Raising prices can lead to decreased consumer interest in non-essential items.
Managing costs is crucial in response to increased tariffs.
Finding new revenue opportunities is essential for growth.
Consumer behavior is shifting due to rising prices across the board.
The manufacturing landscape in the U.S. presents challenges for many businesses.
Building relationships with manufacturers takes time and trust.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thread and Its Journey

08:33 Transitioning from Handcrafted to Industrial Manufacturing

11:54 Navigating Tariffs and Supply Chain Diversification

18:55 The Impact of Global Tariffs on Business Strategy

22:44 Navigating Tariffs and Product Costs

26:37 Challenges in Manufacturing and Supply Chain

28:30 Pricing Strategies Amidst Uncertainty

30:42 Consumer Behavior and Price Sensitivity

34:35 The Impact of Cost of Goods on Business

39:02 Mitigating Costs and Revenue Strategies

45:09 Short-term vs Long-term Business Strategies