E-Commerce, Burnout, and the Price of Growth: A Real Talk with Alan Kaplan

⏱️ Full Timestamped Show Notes

00:00 – Alan's Current Business Overview

• Running an 8-figure e-commerce operation and launching a trading fund

• Transition from law to entrepreneurship

01:00 – The Early Grind: 80-Hour Weeks & the NYC Commute

• Burnout from legal career

• Starting e-commerce as a side hustle with his wife

03:00 – Scaling Up: From Dropshipping to Stocking Inventory

• Early challenges and rapid pivots

• The move to Texas for logistical optimization

05:00 – Learning to Lead in a Warehouse World

• Leasing space without experience

• Hiring former fulfillment center manager

• Shipping challenges in extreme heat

07:00 – Growth Strategy and Multi-Warehouse Expansion

• Warehouses in Pennsylvania and California

• Remote operations and strategic scaling

08:00 – The COVID Crash: Exhaustion, Supply Chain Chaos & Pressure

• Operating as an essential business during lockdown

• Staff anxiety, childcare gaps, and commitment burnout

10:00 – Alan’s Flex-Time Innovation

• Creating a system where employees schedule themselves

• Boosting productivity by reducing pressure

• Employees seeking raises and returning to stability

13:00 – Middle Management Mayhem

• Alan’s issues with HR and traditional management

• Replacing managers with promoted team members

• Real examples from Walmart and corporate life

17:00 – Remote Work vs Office Life: Alan's First Principles Approach

• Why forcing people back doesn’t always make sense

• Context-based decisions and team needs

• Frustrations with traditional leadership thinking

21:00 – Burnout & Breakdown: The Hidden Mental Health Cost

• Rebuilding a warehouse post-crisis

• Sleeping on-site, nonstop work, and aging overnight

• Cholesterol spikes, hormone crashes, and gas station food

29:00 – Personal Reflection and Hard Boundaries

• Letting go of toxic family

• Ending the “Bank of Alan”

• Finding peace through separation

35:00 – Depression, Doctors & Medication

• Issues with oversimplified diagnoses

• The importance of second opinions

• Nikki shares her own mental health experience

46:00 – Final Thoughts: Change Is Always Possible

• Whether escaping burnout, abuse, or chaos—it’s not hopeless

• Practical advice on changing your environment

• Encouragement to talk, ask for help, and take care of yourself