How to balance growth, cash, and inventory risk

The Modern Supply Chain · Sep 17, 2026 · 34m · transcript

The same DTC strategy that prints cash in one category can drown another in inventory risk.

In this episode, Izzy Rosenzweig sits down with Jon Blair, Founder of Free to Grow CFO and former COO and CFO at Guardian Bikes. Jon breaks down the three common DTC models: high-LTV consumables, high-SKU apparel, and durable goods with little repeat purchase. Each one carries its own cash flow trap, and knowing which model you're running determines everything else about how you should manage growth.

He also explains how to make risk-adjusted growth bets, why profitable brands can still run short on…