Over the past 20 years, our team at Harvest Growth has helped launch and grow hundreds of consumer products, generating more than $2 billion in revenue. On this podcast, we break down what actually works in product marketing—real stories, real strategies, and lessons you can put to work right away.

In this episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, Jon LaClare sits down with Dave Maloney, founder of a rapidly growing skincare brand built around simple, effective formulations and a commitment to product quality over hype.

Dave shares how what started as a personal project—creating a product to help his mom—evolved into a thriving business, with his lip balm becoming a standout best-seller on Amazon. Drawing from his background in biotech and chemistry, Dave explains how understanding natural ingredients, testing formulations, and focusing on performance helped him create products that customers truly love.

The conversation dives into why his lip balm outperformed other products, how customer behavior and repeat purchases drive growth, and why many competing products fail to deliver lasting results. Dave also breaks down his lean business model, explaining how he scaled quickly without building a large internal team by leveraging contractors and maintaining flexibility.

You’ll also learn why starting small was one of his biggest advantages—testing products with minimal inventory, refining based on real customer feedback, and avoiding costly mistakes early on. Dave shares his perspective on Amazon as a sales channel, including its advantages, challenges, and why being where customers are ready to buy can make all the difference.

In today’s episode of the Harvest Growth Podcast, we’ll cover:

• Why products that truly work drive repeat purchases and organic growth
• How Dave formulated a high-performing product using natural ingredients
• Why his lip balm became the #1 seller—and what made it different
• The importance of starting small and validating product-market fit early
• How to scale a business while keeping your team lean and flexible
• Why Amazon can be a powerful channel (if used strategically)
• The realities of getting reviews and building trust on Amazon
• Why focusing on one “hero product” can accelerate growth
• The importance of community and mentorship for entrepreneurs
• And so much more!

If you’re launching a product, scaling an eCommerce brand, or trying to build something that customers come back to again and again, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

To be a guest on our next episode of the podcast, contact us today!

Do you have a brand that you’d like to launch or grow? Do you want help from a partner that has successfully launched hundreds of brands totaling over $2 billion in revenues? Visit HarvestGrowth.com and set up a free consultation with us today!