Ben Wood, co-founder of Waste in Progress, joins us to talk about how a random old tent sparked a design business built on upcycling, sustainability, and community partnerships. In this episode, we explore how creative founders can scale impact, balance craft with cash flow, and turn circular design into a viable business model—without burning out. Whether you're building a mission-led brand or bootstrapping a product business, this one’s for you
⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to WipWrk and Textile Upcycling01:25 - Backstory: How WipWrk Was Born02:51 - First Product: Chalk Bags for Rock Climbers04:33 - Partnership with Off Track and the Second Life Project06:36 - From Prototype to Commercial Business09:04 - Two Pillars of the Business: Consumer & Commercial10:41 - Biggest Challenge: Maintaining Mental Balance12:29 - Creative vs Business: Working with a Partner14:44 - Why Technical Textiles Are Hard to Recycle16:55 - Advice for Creative Entrepreneurs18:49 - Balancing Creative Vision with Business Needs20:44 - Quick Fire Questions23:34 - Preventing Burnout as a Founder24:34 - Ben's Question for the Next Founder25:32 - Closing Thoughts
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