Private Equity Acquired and Botched Her Business.  So She Bought it Back.

Private Equity Acquired and Botched Her Business. So She Bought it Back.

Author: Andrew Youderian | e-Commerce Entrepreneur June 28, 2024 Duration: 48:22

How often do entrepreneurs get a second chance with their first love? In this episode, join me as I converse with Cathryn Lavery, the founder of BestSelf Co., who navigated the unusual path of selling her business to a private equity firm, only to buy it back after seeing its potential falter under new management. Cathryn shares her initial reasons for selling, the insights from stepping away, and what drove her to reclaim control and re-inject her vision into the brand.

Listen in as Cathryn discusses the strategic maneuvers and negotiations involved in reacquiring her company, how she leveraged AI technology to streamline operations, and the lessons learned from viewing her business through the analytical lens of her buyers. She also dives into the tactical changes implemented post-acquisition to revitalize the brand, ensuring its alignment with her entrepreneurial spirit and long-term objectives.

You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3VwTEd9

Interested in our Private Community for 7-Figure Store Owners?  Learn more here.  

Want to hear about new episodes and eCommerce news round-ups?  Subscribe via email.


For established e-commerce entrepreneurs running businesses at the seven-and eight-figure level, the day-to-day challenges shift from basic setup to complex scaling, leadership, and strategic pivots. The eComFuel Podcast speaks directly to this unique experience, serving as the audio companion to a respected private community. Founder Andrew Youderian, an e-commerce entrepreneur himself, leads conversations that bypass surface-level advice. Instead, he delves into the operational realities, financial strategies, and leadership decisions that matter when you're steering a sizable online enterprise. You'll hear from fellow founders and experts who have been in the trenches, discussing everything from sophisticated supply chain logistics and team management to personal sustainability and exit planning. This isn't about quick tips; it's about substantive, operator-led insights for those who have already found success and are focused on building something lasting and meaningful. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a candid mastermind, offering perspectives that are both pragmatic and forward-thinking for serious business owners.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

eComFuel Podcast
Podcast Episodes
The Forgotten Ad Channel Quietly Delivering 4x-10x ROAS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:30
Is Pinterest the most overlooked ad platform in eCommerce right now? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Ahl, founder of SimplePinMedia.com, to talk about how Pinterest is quietly delivering strong returns for brands t…
Stealing eCom Marketing Playbooks for Short-Term Rentals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
From real estate tax strategies to custom guest books to leaky ice maker lines, this episode covers it all. Today I'm riding solo to share why—despite all the horror stories—I decided to launch my first Airbnb and how I'…
Prioritizing AI Investments + Sora 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Feeling behind on AI? You're not alone. With new tools launching almost daily, it's easy to get overwhelmed—or worse, stuck in inaction. But if you're running a 7- or 8-figure brand, understanding how to integrate AI int…
Top Takeaways from ECF Live 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
From lessons on leadership and scaling strategies to an incredible talk about vulnerability as an entrepreneur, this year's ECF Live had it all. In this episode, I'm joined by longtime co-host and community member Bill D…
Rethinking AI, Ad Spend & Growth Strategy as a Founder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:49
Ever wonder how founders are actually using AI in their businesses—and in their lives—without getting lost in the hype? In this episode, I'm joined by Adam Callinan, founder of Pentane, to talk about how he's thinking di…