I'm taking a BIG risk to do this... (goodbye, savings!)

I'm taking a BIG risk to do this... (goodbye, savings!) | Setting the Stage

Рет қаралды 3,909

Күн бұрын

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@jamess566 2 ай бұрын

Jake your channel is extremely useful and by far the best shoe review channel on KZbin. The consistency and the systematic approach in which you review shoes covers the important things people want to hear before purchasing shoes and your expertise is above any other channel. I’ve learned a lot just by watching your videos. You definitely deserve more notoriety!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you - I appreciate that, my friend! Glad I get to play a small role in your journey. We just have to keep chipping!

@javinricketts2753 2 ай бұрын

Love the idea of the store. It has been so hard to find barefoot shoes specifically. Hate not being able to try on shoes beforehand, I almost solely rely on reviews like yours to guide my shoe purchases. A gym/ store combo takes it up another level, and I love it. Wish you the best!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Hopefully I'll have some good data for all parties soon enough! There are A LOT of logistics to work out, but we'll make it happen

@joelc3714 2 ай бұрын

Jake, gotta say, That Fit Friend is my always go to channel and brand for fitness advice, and I think there are others who are loyal too. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not as big as people making shady deals to say great things about iffy shoes. Keep up what you’ve been doing. Think back when you started That Fit Friend, I think that Jake would have been amazed with how far That Fit Friend already has come. You’re doing great Jake!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing that. That's a really good point. I think sometimes I get wrapped up in the comparison trap or feeling like I need big wins all of the time to be making progress, but it's the little wins that stack up over time to create the true progress. Good reminder that made me reflect earlier. Appreciate you pointing that out!

@AlvaTheSpurned 2 ай бұрын

The only reason why I haven’t watched many of your recent shoe reviews is cuz you helped me pick so well on my first buy. I looked at a lot of your helpful content which helped me get my first pair of barefoot shoes. As you said, that fit friend punches above his weight class

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Haha, ain't no worries there! I don't want you to watch every single video, tbh, just when you need to - we're all busy AF and I take the approach of being here when you need me, but I don't want folks to feel obliged to watch all of the time especially if I'm doing my job well!

@Craigbarnes5868 2 ай бұрын

Good luck bro.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, homie!

@blackguardunlimeted 2 ай бұрын

the idea is amazing ! we can all feel your passion for the project !

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! It's scary, but here we are!

@shko-mi 2 ай бұрын

You've been doing God's work with your videos and website, and why your channel isn't bigger is beyond me. I bought my last few workout shoes based solely on your reviews. I'm not in Austin, but I'll make sure to swing by and support your store if I ever find myself in the city. Good luck!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Let's goo! Appreciate you, my friend - sincerely!

@rafael-rossi 2 ай бұрын

Best of luck, Jake. It's hard to create content being honest and transparent, not taking shady deals and such, and still fight to get recognition. Hope to see your idea grow as much as the dedication of your channel has. Keep it up! =D

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I hope so, too, friend!

@barefootrunreview 2 ай бұрын

A ton of interesting things here! First of all, it's great the ahrefs were willing to put in the time and effort to help smaller content creators like us! I hope you've come away with some good results/ideas. Second, I like your store idea. I see how it fits the sport, and yes, "fit" is the biggest issue with shoes! I will say that I worry about the monetary risk involved. Anything to mitigate that would be good. But as you said, I have no idea about opening a retail store! :) We're here to support in the journey, so feel free to reach out if you need anything!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Right? I'm stoked to see that video! Eh, money comes and goes. There are so many ways to scale this if done well, tbh, the money is a stress but not the end all for me mentally, honestly. Big risk, big rw If there's a will there's a way, we'll push towards it until it works or it doesn't and we need to pivot. Thank you, amigo!

@capt1941 2 ай бұрын

Wish you nothing but the best, my friend! Love the whole concept and seems like a natural evolution/addition to what you're doing now. Definitely gives me a reason to revisit Austin for the ribbon cutting down the road. 😉 #fortheloveofshoes, #tff

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Ayyy, let's go! That's a dope idea NGL. We could do a That Fit Friend OGs soft launch. Have everyone who's been subbed forever come down first and maybe there's a play there to give out coupons to the crew. Later problem, but the hamster is running.

@capt1941 2 ай бұрын

@thatfitfriend - Love this idea and would definitely come down for it. Future state for sure, but let me know if you decide to crowd fund as well. I love nothing more than seeing good things happen to good people.

@explained4242 27 күн бұрын

I am SOOOO excited about getting my foot measured. I like a wide toe box for my toes to spread but im not sure how wide the rest is my foot is. Feet are so unique. Wishing you the best man. Hope it is a huge success. I'm definitely supporting this.

@thatfitfriend 25 күн бұрын

What size shoe are you?

@explained4242 25 күн бұрын

@@thatfitfriend 10

@wcgreen55 2 ай бұрын

I prefer reading to listening--it's faster for me. Saying this in appreciation for your written reviews.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I'm the same. I'll rotate between the two or like when I have options, at least. Plan to keep producing!

@frankb5693 2 ай бұрын

Jake my man, I have been following you since Barbend days. You are the shoe expert in my book and I love your new store concept. The information you will gather will be a massive help for us. It is so frustrating to buy a new brand of shoe online only to find out it does not fit and needs to go back. I have no doubt that your new endeavor will be a success and I wish you all the best.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

That's the plan! Thank you so much. I'm stoked to see how this develops over time. The fact you've been rocking with me since BarBend means the world ngl!

@Diana6053 Ай бұрын

Excited for the shop, here for the grand opening!

@thatfitfriend Ай бұрын

Thank you! A lot of work to still do...going to be a grind!

@Jackjackjackkk 2 ай бұрын

Great idea on the store! Most big box stores only carry the larger producers (nike, adidas, UA, etc.) With so many smaller startup shoe brands it's harder to compare sizing. Never been to Austin but if I end up there I'll be making a stop at the store. Keep up the great work Jake!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

That's the idea. There are so many really solid small brands that need more recognition and in-store exposure for try-ons. Always welcome to come hang and train! Thank you!

@ivoatanassov726 2 ай бұрын

Hey, wow amazing accomplishment that will be very good for you and keep doing what you love!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

So many moving parts to start getting into action!

@serenammueller 2 ай бұрын

This sounds so cool! It'd be cool if you offered a service for foot measurement and you could book a custom fitting appointment that gets you credit to buying a shoe in your store!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I was thinking something similar to the foot scanner that Vivobarefoot has. How can I implement that then cross-reference that data with others' and their shoe purchases to help suggest the best picks. Thank you!

@MikeMitra 2 ай бұрын

I live in Austin and I'm 100 percent pumped at the idea of your store. I've struggled finding the right shoes for my specific feet for a few years now and all I want is to be able to walk into a store and try all these training shoes on. Open the store and I'll be there!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

That's sick! Good to know I got one customer already. If you were want to link and train, hit me up!

@dp21297 2 ай бұрын

Commenting to boost algorithm because this is one of the best channels on youtube

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Ayyy, means the world. Thank you!

@andresamell9367 2 ай бұрын

this is huge!!. I'm stoked about it and can't wait for the new updates. proud of you. Chills with all the comments here!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, sir! I'm sure I'll be venting to you soon enough about stuff, LOL.

@andresamell9367 2 ай бұрын

@@thatfitfriend the good and the bad 🤝

@dariosimonepalmiotti2739 2 ай бұрын

All the best Mate! I’m sure it will be a success

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you, Dario!

@raulrochalopez5931 2 ай бұрын

Best of luck Jake!!! Loving the idea; of course is challenging but keep the hard work to succed 😎

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Head down time. Thank you!

@christinamews5690 2 ай бұрын

Love the idea of opening up a store and the concept behind it. I often find that I end up just settling for a shoe that I'm not entirely happy with, simply because the entire process of researching, buying/returning is a hassle. It would be great to have a chance to try on a shoe in store and run it through some tests before making a purchase. Best of luck, Jake!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I feel you on that - heck, that's part of the motivation behind starting this channel. Hopefully we can have some awesome data to come through with this and you'll have to come visit once the store opens!

@inediblemangoes7797 2 ай бұрын

I wish you luck on your new venture!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@GoandLove 2 ай бұрын

Long time listener, first time commenter. Love your content man! Really sorry to hear about your SEO with the Google update 🤦🏻‍♂️ I’m a website designer and manager SEO for clients and it was pretty horrible to see for so many. Love the thoughts on a physical store! Very cool!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Anytime I read the long time listener bit I die laughing - thanks for that, homie. It's not great, but we forge on! Thank you so much!

@MarSer3 2 ай бұрын

Great idea! All the best and good luck! One suggestion: a 3D foot scanner would also be interesting (I googled and there are quite some offers), so that you get a data base and then maybe a feedback after the purchase regarding feet, blisters, hot points, warm/breathability etc You might have some privacy concerns/legal wise ... but probable could be solvable Imagine I come in the shop, you scan my foot and then you say, look we have this x121342 foot that is 94% matching yours and these shoes worked for him/it :) Thanks for your video, really great for choosing gym shoes! 🙏

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

100%. It's like the Vivobarefoot does and exactly that - how can I build an open matching system for folks to draw data from. It would be SICK. People would have to opt in and it would be sharing foot specs/shoes bought and in what sizes. Nothing too personal! Thank you for supporting and rocking with me!

@GarageGymRadio 2 ай бұрын

Looking forward to following along with the next project. Great idea!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Ay, thanks homie!

@zen5326 2 ай бұрын

best of luck on the journey fit friend!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@MattBee91 2 ай бұрын

Great idea, man! Love the idea of connecting with people in-person and building a community. Appreciate your work, I don’t buy a pair of training/barefoot shoes without watching or reading your reviews first.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

That means the world! Thank you so much for that bid of confidence!

@feast_good 2 ай бұрын

Before you open a store, you should go work in a store for 2-weeks to see if it's something you enjoy doing. Do you enjoy talking to customers, do you enjoy the daily routine, do you enjoy the side of the business that customers don't see? You could also talk to the owner of that store and see what they struggle with and what the economics are behind the business. What you really need to know is whether the struggles they experience day-to-day is worth it, or are you just taking on a lot of headache for an extra few thousand per month after paying your staff, lease, inventory, marketing, etc. If you feel motivated than ever after that, then it might make sense to take next steps. Starting new businesses and coming up with new ideas are fun, but you really need to understand the reality of a project like this before executing. I'm 100% not doubting your executional abilities. One way or another you'll make something like this work. But, is it worth it, that's the question. Or would you be better off taking all that time, effort, and money, and pouring it into your media business with more upside and less risk. Anyways, this is all coming from a place of respect dude.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Appreciate the counter points here, dude! Stellar mentor pushing me to explore this. Everything will be calculated and taken slowly. This is not a venture I'm rushing into by any means, and I really want to flesh out logistics and feasibility, especially when it comes to financials since I'd be using my savings to fund it. A lot of internal reflection still needed to take place, but the ball is moving slowly!

@SteveBIRK 2 ай бұрын

The SEO stuff is super interesting. I know when I was hired as a contractor at some bigger media companies to work on their websites they'd have whole teams of people their just to game SEO. I think google got hit with an anti-trust suit recently for being a monopoly. I know it's bad but I feel like I visit fewer and fewer websites directly anymore. I follow them of socials and read stuff here and there . Or like your content I primarily get it via youtube. I have been going to the site because I know you go more in-depth there. On the idea of the store is sick. I recently found a smaller running shoe store near me which was one of the better experience I have had buying shoes. I love the idea of that but for more wight training style of shoes. All the data stuff and fit finding would be cool especially if it works for the online side of things.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Yeah, it's wild. Search for my brand has increased 150% since this BS went down because why would you trust big media and review sites that are constantly pumping out garbage. It's rampant in our niche, too, with other big strength sites. Thank you - yeah, I'm keen to see how I can build that out and make it worthwhile for folks to share that stuff for the community. Maybe members will have 5% off at all times or something

@eugenelam5156 2 ай бұрын

Love the idea and vision. Definitely a gap in the market and ultimately creating a better experience for customers. You have my vote of confidence!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Let's goooo! Thank you!

@chanerpeng 2 ай бұрын

For those of us in the tech and startup realm, revealing your business concept prematurely (assuringly) to the public isn't advisable without established groundwork and financial support. That being said, while some companies may have considered similar ideas, the extensive costs and workforce required to test and categorize each pair of shoes can be prohibitive. To efficiently expand your data collection and maintain a competitive edge, you might want to look into outsourcing these labor-intensive tasks to regions with lower operational costs once a sufficient and scalable review process is established. This strategy could help you scale quickly and stay ahead of the competition.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I've always built in public, I don't really care, tbh. If someone wants to replicate this and do it, then be my guest, lol. I get it's risky and costly, but that's okay - I'm not doing it to get rich quick which is where most in tech's minds go, imo. I've built this entire brand by myself already - I'll cross those bridges when they come. I also am not even close to bringing this to life. Getting the ball rolling, though. And at the end of the day, if it doesn’t come to life - we pivot and move to the next iteration of the business. That’s life and the gamble of it all, people understand if you’re open and genuine about your moves. The data part is still in conceptualization, too, and if I don't have to outsource yet then I'm not going to. Are you new to my channel? I've created a systemized review process already & have content flow already built out. The brand is 3.5 years old, too. This could totally implode, but I like showing others what I'm doing. If people want to copy cat me - they can try and I wish them luck. PS - I appreciate the feedback here :)

@chanerpeng 2 ай бұрын

@@thatfitfriendYup totally a new follower here lol. I recently discover there is an entire world out there reviewing shoes like they do the same with tech. Glad you are carrying this idea of yours in a zen way. Hope you will succeed!

@moleenthusiast 2 ай бұрын

This idea sounds incredible. I just hope it's sustainable from a business and financial perspective!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Only one way to find out! It will work :)

@moleenthusiast 2 ай бұрын

@@thatfitfriend you're fighting the good fight brother and I truly hope you get a whole heap of success for this. It would be amazing ifbbrands such as vivo can invest in you to keep the shoe prices the same price that you sell in store. It would be mutually beneficial imo

@dwighthouser 2 ай бұрын

This style of video is dope, you should do more! I can’t wait to visit the store 💪

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Let's goooo! Trucks Shoes

@liogacoaching3912 2 ай бұрын

Written reviews are extremely useful for me as a person who lives in a country where shoes aren’t readily available to try on. Big fan of the shoe profile idea as I’m a person with a foot shape that falls outside the “normal” (or advertised) population so finding shoes based on KZbin reviews is a challenge.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Hopefully we can get you some good data soon!

@scotia7399 2 ай бұрын

Love these vlog style vids!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

More to come!

@danielpicerni24 2 ай бұрын

If Basement Brandon is promotes you, I trust your reviews. I found you through his videos and have been consuming your content ever since. I love the idea of a barefoot shoe store!! Wish you were opening in SoCal! Will definitely use your website for shopping. I have been hesitant to buy a new brand of barefoot shoes because I am worried about the fit.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I was just texting him earlier today about this idea! Haha, San Diego is a next on the list if this store is able to do well and I can scale! Thank you so much!

@okd62 2 ай бұрын

Look forward to the day you make your own shoe, definitely will get a pair

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

The day will come. Must be calculated and build in the meantime! Thank you!

@paname514 2 ай бұрын

Good luck mate. Your channel is more and more about shoes, however, I follow it less and less regularly.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

@@paname514 thanks, bruv!

@paname514 2 ай бұрын

@@thatfitfriend I know but it wasn't so much the case in the past lmao

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

@@paname514 as in, you don’t watch anymore? It’s normal to watch channels less over time. All of the creators I follow I watch less over time, both fitness & RuneScape creators I follow, LOL. I’d rather folks only watch when they want/when a video is relevant to them. We all have such finite time on this earth, so ain’t no worries if you’re living life & watching less, homie

@wolfpanda9967 2 ай бұрын

Looking forward to it!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Appreciate ya!

@sephyrsnapback 2 ай бұрын

That a great idea there is not much store like this and having the equipment to try it, that's awesome👟 I'm Canadian and i purchase 2 pair of shoes because of your reviews.🎬

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Ay, thank you and love hearing that. Grateful to play a small role in your journey!

@MrLlama999 2 ай бұрын

Anya’s reviews is doing something similar for barefoot shoes with a traveling sales popup. It’s a good idea, but a big limitation is reach. People only need a shoe or two.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I saw that - pretty neat! It lacks the performance sector/angle completely which is what I want to do, though. I like her stuff, but I would never use her for anything training related. The online platform will still be growing and should help offset that part. There are a lottttt of people who buy shoes, just have to make an experience that keep people coming back!

@alirezatorabi1197 2 ай бұрын

Good luck! Austin is a great city ... enjoy!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@explained4242 27 күн бұрын

Austin!!! I live there!! Yes!!!!!!

@thatfitfriend 25 күн бұрын

See you there!

@iserlonia 2 ай бұрын

Still love the two pair of shoes I bought under your recommendation. I'll recommend your website to whoever needs exercise shoes.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Ayyy, love hearing that! Thank you so much!

@mrwoodenshoe 2 ай бұрын

I love this idea. The idea of having a “fit friend” that I can base my purchase off of. Recently I’ve have a ton of trouble buying both chino and athletic shorts that I like. Would love to have “my own” fit friend to base purchases off of (no offense Jake). If you need a taller athletic-ish person (6’ 4”; waist size 33’; shoulders 46’ etc.) I’d love to contribute my feedback on my purchases to the hive mind

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

I feel you there - It would be neat to build out the profiles to pair you with other lifters with similar dimensions. I wonder if there's a play there to do this, tbh. Thank you!

@champcityholisticfitness5834 2 ай бұрын

Ahead of the pack 💯

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Hope you're well, dude!

@Mr.Doyles_channel5083 2 ай бұрын

God speed Jake!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Appreciate you!

@andrewjudd9001 2 ай бұрын

Store sounds like a great idea, though I am not sure how you will be able to monetize effectively. If you can figure that out it could really become a shoe Mecca and would be worth traveling for.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

That's the idea. How do I become a brand that is in the business of not only product, but an experience and feeling? That's stuff that can make brands immortal. I think also keeping the mindset of assuming it's not going to "make" money for a while will help, too. There's no "get rich quick" thinking here with this type of venture. The online presence should also help offset brick and mortar costs, but we'll see - easier said than done!

@vwarrior3268 2 ай бұрын

Great idea!

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Full send

@AndrewAllen83 2 ай бұрын

Bro. Do crowdfunding to back this without banks if you can. You have community. Leverage it. I'd happily contribute after all the videos and social content over the years.

@thatfitfriend 2 ай бұрын

Great idea - I'd probably mull that around and see if there's a play there where if you did crowdfund you'd get money off or something! How can I make it beneficial for all parties?

@AndrewAllen83 2 ай бұрын

@@thatfitfriend good point. Maybe it's like Prime? You get a discount on shipping or affiliate code for e-commerce? Or a founders' edition of this shoe you keep teasing?