On this week’s episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with entrepreneur and viral content creator Justin McClure to unpack his four-year journey from YouTube success to developing a revolutionary product for creators, the UltraLight. Known for his work behind The Mighty McClures, which boasts over 15 million followers, Justin shares hard-earned lessons about transitioning from content creation to manufacturing, building powerful relationships, and staying patient in the unpredictable world of product development.
Here’s a deeper look at some of the key takeaways from their conversation.
Table of Contents
Invest in Industrial Design for Manufacturing Success
Building Strategic Relationships Through Value Exchange
The Reality of Product Development Timelines
Strategic Supplier Selection on Alibaba.com
Final Thoughts
Invest in Industrial Design for Manufacturing Success
When Justin first had the idea for the UltraLight, he quickly realized there was a major gap between a great concept and a manufacturable product. Rather than trying to bridge that gap alone, he made a crucial decision: invest $10,000 in a professional industrial designer.
This investment turned out to be a game-changer. The designer didn’t just make the product more aesthetically appealing; they provided precise CAD files and manufacturing-ready specifications. This allowed Justin to approach suppliers confidently, request accurate quotes, and discuss his product technically and credibly.
For entrepreneurs, this step is often overlooked. But as Justin points out, spending on industrial design saves time and money in the long run. It reduces manufacturing errors, speeds up supplier onboarding, and results in a product that’s ready for real-world markets, not just theoretical ones.
“Spend the extra money to get an industrial designer who can turn your vision into something that can actually be built. It’s one of the best investments you’ll make.”
Building Strategic Relationships Through Value Exchange
Another cornerstone of Justin’s journey was how he built powerful business relationships, starting with Daymond John, famed entrepreneur and star of Shark Tank.
Instead of reaching out with a request for help, Justin led with generosity. He offered his expertise in digital marketing and YouTube growth, effectively serving as a fractional CMO. This value-first approach deepened the relationship over time, earning Daymond’s trust and opening doors to trusted suppliers and key contacts.
The lesson here is timeless: entrepreneurs who want to build strong networks should focus on what they can give, not just what they need. Relationship equity pays off far more than cold outreach, and it often leads to opportunities that money can’t buy.
“If you’re building real relationships by adding value first, success will find you faster than just asking for favors.”
The Reality of Product Development Timelines
One of the most refreshing aspects of Justin’s story is his honesty about timelines. Despite his experience and strong network, bringing the UltraLight to market took four and a half years, not six months, not even one year.
The message to entrepreneurs is clear: real product development is slow. Manufacturing delays, prototype adjustments, supplier negotiations, and quality assurance all take longer than expected. But rather than getting discouraged, Justin used the time to strengthen other parts of his business and deepen his expertise.
“If you think you’ll launch a perfect product in six months, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Give it the time it needs, and trust the process.”
Patience isn’t just a virtue in product development; it’s a necessity.
Strategic Supplier Selection on Alibaba.com
Finding the right manufacturing partners can make or break a product. Justin shares his methodical approach to sourcing suppliers using Alibaba.com.
He looks for credibility indicators, such as verified badges and trade assurance guarantees, before reaching out. From there, he requests samples early and uses the promise of larger future orders as leverage for product customization. This allows him to vet partners thoroughly before making any major commitments.
Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from this strategy: use the tools available to minimize risk, and don’t rush into supplier agreements without thorough testing and verification.
“It’s not about finding a supplier fast — it’s about finding the right supplier who can grow with you.”
Final Thoughts
Justin McClure’s journey from viral content creator to product innovator is a blueprint for aspiring entrepreneurs. His story is packed with valuable lessons: invest wisely in professional design, build relationships by leading with value, stay patient through inevitable delays, and approach supplier selection with strategy and care.
Whether you’re a content creator looking to launch your first product or an entrepreneur navigating manufacturing for the first time, this episode of B2B Breakthrough offers a masterclass in perseverance, strategy, and building with purpose.
A Few Words About Justin McClure:
Justin McClure is a successful family content creator and product innovator, known for founding The Mighty McClures, one of social media’s most prominent family channels with 15 million followers and 4 billion views. With a background in production and creative storytelling, Justin has successfully transitioned into product development with the creation of UltraLight, an innovative lighting solution for content creators.
