What do manhole covers and entrepreneurship have in common? More than you’d think.In this episode of Founder Freedom, host Stephen Palmer looks into an unexpected but fascinating niche with Alexander Conklin, founder of Manhole Covers Direct, the first company to sell manhole covers directly to customers online. What began with a snowstorm and a church project has turned into a thriving e-commerce business serving both residential and commercial customers across the U.S.Alexander unpacks how they’ve built trust in an industry few ever think about, why customization and customer service are at the heart of their success, and how smart (and sometimes failed) marketing moves paved the way for steady growth. If you think niche markets can’t scale, you’ll want to hear this.-What You’ll Learn:-How a hyper-niche idea became a growing e-commerce brand-Why customization and clarity in customer needs drive conversions-How real marketing stories outperform fluff-What makes B2B e-commerce work in traditionally offline industries-Tips on how to build a brand in an unglamorous niche-Why good people and persistence matter more than flashy strategies-Honest advice on what it takes to grow a business without shortcutsConnect with Alexander Conklin & Manhole Covers Direct🌐 Website: https://manholecoversdirect.com/. 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manholecoversdirect/.📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manholecoversdirectLoved this episode?Subscribe, rate, and review Founder Freedom on your favorite platform:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/founder-freedom-from-hustler-to-ceo/id1813402635💬 Want to connect with host Stephen Palmer?📲 Follow him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmerstephen/🌐 https://adservepros.com/author/stephen-palmer/Thanks for listening, tune in weekly for more real stories from bold entrepreneurs building brands their way.#FounderFreedom #EcommerceSuccess #NicheMarket #ManholeCovers #B2BCommerce #EntrepreneurJourney #CustomizationMatters #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #OnlineSales #SmallBusinessSuccess #StartupAdvice
