What if your company made the Inc. 500 and then almost went out of business?

In this episode of NWA Founders, we sit down with Thomas Addington and Allen Befort, co-founders of Givingtons, to unpack how they built a fast-growing book company and how it almost got away from them. Today, they've built a company that blends storytelling, product design, and brand strategy into something entirely different from traditional publishing, but it wasn't always like that.

For founders who are struggling in building efficient processes for their people, this episode is a masterclass in failing, learning, and persevering while scaling.

Summary

Thomas and Allen break down how Givingtons positioned itself inside an old industry without becoming trapped by it. Rather than competing with traditional publishers on volume or price, they focused on design, presentation, and emotional connection. They built a creator-first book company.

Givingtons grew fast (but not by accident). The founders share how they approached product development with intentionality, how they navigated wholesale and retail partnerships, and why packaging and perceived value matter as much as content.

While Givingtons has a thriving creative culture today, it wasn't always like that. Thomas and Allen rehash the company's most difficult years and their commitment to building a company that focuses on people over products.

Highlights

00:00 What is Custom Electronics?

08:00 The shift in the trades

22:00 Aversion to debt
29:00 Technology in BIG buildings
47:00 Core values
57:00 What's next for Custom Electronics?

Key Takeaways

1. Differentiate in crowded markets by owning a category - Givingtons didn’t try to be a better publisher, they built a different kind of book company.
2. Creative brands still require operational discipline - Product design, inventory, margins, and cash flow matter just as much as vision.
3. Focus on people over products - The founders stayed committed to creating a thriving environment for their people, which in turn makes for better products.

Follow us on LinkedIn NWA Founders

Follow us on Instagram @NWAFounders

Follow us on YouTube NWA Founders

For guest suggestions or inquiries nwafounders@gmail.com