Ask the Author: Steven Dontigny
Answered Questions (4)
Steven Dontigny
The biggest mystery in my life isn’t a murder or missing treasure — it’s the question of how many brilliant brands I’ve seen die quietly, even when they looked unstoppable on the outside.
I’d write the book as an investigative thriller, chasing down the silent killers — broken math, bad contracts, margin leaks — and unmasking them one by one before they take down the next “can’t fail” idea.
I’d write the book as an investigative thriller, chasing down the silent killers — broken math, bad contracts, margin leaks — and unmasking them one by one before they take down the next “can’t fail” idea.
Steven Dontigny
1. Margins or Death – Steven Dontigny
The no-BS playbook for surviving and winning in CPG — savage math, hard truths, and the operational plays most founders never hear until it’s too late.
2. Pitch or Perish – Steven Dontigny
How to get your product on shelf, online, or anywhere that pays — complete with channel breakdowns, fictional-but-true buyer letters, and the psychology of winning a “yes” without getting destroyed on margin.
3. The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
Strip away the fluff — this is about testing fast, killing bad ideas early, and protecting resources.
4. Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
Negotiation isn’t a side skill; it’s survival. This one rewires how you talk to buyers, co-mans, and investors.
5. Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
The raw truth of building Nike — equal parts inspiration and a masterclass in staying alive when the odds are ugly.
6. The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
Because no one warns you what happens after the “launch” moment — or how ugly leadership gets in the trenches.
The no-BS playbook for surviving and winning in CPG — savage math, hard truths, and the operational plays most founders never hear until it’s too late.
2. Pitch or Perish – Steven Dontigny
How to get your product on shelf, online, or anywhere that pays — complete with channel breakdowns, fictional-but-true buyer letters, and the psychology of winning a “yes” without getting destroyed on margin.
3. The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
Strip away the fluff — this is about testing fast, killing bad ideas early, and protecting resources.
4. Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
Negotiation isn’t a side skill; it’s survival. This one rewires how you talk to buyers, co-mans, and investors.
5. Shoe Dog – Phil Knight
The raw truth of building Nike — equal parts inspiration and a masterclass in staying alive when the odds are ugly.
6. The Hard Thing About Hard Things – Ben Horowitz
Because no one warns you what happens after the “launch” moment — or how ugly leadership gets in the trenches.
Steven Dontigny
If I could step into any fictional world, I’d pick Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series — but I wouldn’t be there to be a student.
I’d be in the library, reverse-engineering spells like an operations manual: which charms could replace manufacturing processes, which potions could become CPG beverages, and how to build the first magical supply chain. Basically, I’d be the VP of Ops for the wizarding world… and probably the first Muggle to sell Butterbeer in Costco.
I’d be in the library, reverse-engineering spells like an operations manual: which charms could replace manufacturing processes, which potions could become CPG beverages, and how to build the first magical supply chain. Basically, I’d be the VP of Ops for the wizarding world… and probably the first Muggle to sell Butterbeer in Costco.
Steven Dontigny
In each new picture on my phone, someone stands closer behind me.
This morning’s selfie had their lips touching my ear.
This morning’s selfie had their lips touching my ear.
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