Beyond 8 Figures

The Hard Truth About Business Success – Brad Pedersen’s Billion-Dollar Journey


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Mar 05 2025 34 mins  
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This episode isn’t just another polished success story—it’s the raw, unfiltered reality of what it really takes to build something big. Brad Pedersen has been through the wringer: rapid growth, crushing failures, and three bankruptcies before finally getting it right.
In this episode, Brad shares invaluable business growth lessons, offering insights that will help entrepreneurs navigate the highs and lows of building a successful business.

We dive deep into:

  • Why scaling too fast can destroy your business before it even takes off - 23:38
  • The financial blind spots that almost took Brad down (and how he fixed them) - 24:29
  • The hidden emotional cost of chasing success at all costs - 30:17
  • How to build a business that doesn’t just make money—but actually fits your life - 36:04

This is one of those episodes that challenges everything you think you know about entrepreneurship. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just real talk from someone who’s been through it all.


About Brad Pedersen:
Brad isn’t just another entrepreneur with a success story. He’s someone who has lost it all, learned the hard way, and built himself back up to create billion-dollar brands. After exiting his toy company, he co-founded Lomi and Pila, focused on sustainability and long-term impact. Through his book Startup Santa and his latest venture, Full Spectrum, Brad is now helping founders navigate the highs and lows of business—without losing themselves in the process.


Key Quotes:

  • "Success is a sucky teacher. We only tend to learn from the difficulties."
  • "The greatest fear of any entrepreneur is the death of their business."
  • "If you shortcut the shortcuts, you’re going to end up further back than where you started."

Actionable Insights:

  • Run a 13-week cash flow forecast. The easiest way to avoid financial disasters? Know where your money is going before you run out.
  • Slow down to go fast. Speeding through decisions leads to costly mistakes. Take your time to get it right the first time.
  • Protect your flanks. Rapid growth is exciting—until it leaves you exposed. Make sure your foundation is strong before scaling up.
  • Redefine success. Brad’s version? Freedom: being in control of your time, energy, and business, instead of the other way around.
  • Balance ambition with reality. If you’re chasing growth at the cost of everything else, it’s only a matter of time before you hit a wall.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Brad Pedersen:

Connect with Beyond 8 Figures:

Work With Me: Want to scale your business without losing your sanity? Let’s talk.
👉 Work with A.J.

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