How Jeremy Andrus Turned Failure, Fear, and a $200K Debt into a Billion-Dollar Career

What It Takes to Build Something Great

Success looks smooth from the outside—but those who’ve built something truly meaningful know the journey is anything but easy. Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger and former CEO of Skullcandy, has lived this firsthand.

From moving across the world as a kid to navigating financial and business challenges, Jeremy’s story is a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of long-term thinking. In this week’s episode of Case Studies, we dive deep into the pivotal moments that shaped him, the brutal lessons that redefined his career, and the mindset that keeps him pushing forward.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here.

The Power of Optimism and Adaptability

Jeremy is the kind of leader who sees possibilities where others see obstacles. Optimism isn’t just about having a positive outlook—it’s a skill that has helped him navigate tough business cycles, turn struggling companies into success stories, and keep pushing forward even when the odds were stacked against him.

But optimism alone isn’t enough. He also emphasizes the importance of adaptability:

From Rock Bottom to Reinvention

One of Jeremy’s most defining experiences? Losing $2.5 million in a matter of months through day trading. It was a brutal wake-up call, but instead of letting it define him, he used the experience to recalibrate his career.

🚀 This lesson is powerful: True resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about learning, adjusting, and making better decisions moving forward.

This reminded me of my own journey, hitting financial setbacks in real estate at 25, realizing that control over my future was the most valuable asset I had.

If you missed my episode on The Psychology of Selling, where I share that story, check it out below

Why Growth is the Ultimate Goal

One of Jeremy’s core beliefs? Growth isn’t an option—it’s a necessity.

He’s seen firsthand what happens when people hit their goals and stop pushing. Whether it’s friends who made millions and lost their drive or businesses that stagnate because they fear taking risks, the pattern is the same: when growth stops, fulfillment fades.

That’s why he takes on extreme adventure trips, embraces challenges in business, and deliberately pushes himself out of comfort zones—because discomfort leads to transformation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode for the deep dive.

Lessons in Leadership, Business, and Life

We cover so much in this conversation, but here are a few of the biggest takeaways:

🔥 Culture is everything. A great business is built on people, not just products. Jeremy learned the hard way that when culture slips, everything else does too.

💡 Failure is part of the process. Whether it was his early missteps in investing or the challenges of turning around Traeger, every experience was a stepping stone.

📈 Growth is the goal. The best leaders and entrepreneurs are constantly learning, adapting, and pushing their limits.

🚀 Long-term vision beats short-term wins. Jeremy knows that taking shortcuts might give you quick results, but real success comes from making the right investments over time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode now.

P.S. If you enjoyed this, you might also love our deep dive into The Psychology of Selling and how mindset plays a role in success. Read it here. Let me know—what’s one lesson from Jeremy’s journey that hit home for you?