oday's guest spent 10 years at Amazon in a variety of roles, from running a $100m e-commerce P&L to developing the Just Walk Out grocery concept.

And even with all that experience at a notoriously hard-driving company, there has still been quite the learning curve in his new role as business owner.

Eric Bauer bought Turner Hat, a brand whose hats are sold at hardware stores, garden centers, travel centers.

Turner Hat Company warehouse
The warehouse at Turner Hat Company

You'll hear Eric say that he's able to apply his Amazon experience about 40% of the time in his business; the other 60% is new and different.

Listen for what that 60% is.

Hint: if you're coming from a hard-charging white-collar environment, you'll probably have a similar experience.

So, note! Just because you've run a $100m P&L in corporate, it does not mean that running a $3m P&L small business is simpler & easier — just different.

But regular listeners of Acquiring Minds already know that.

Now in addition to a professional pivot, this was also a big lifestyle change; Eric pulled up stakes and moved from his native Seattle to Auburn, Alabama, where his acquisition is based.

Enjoy this interview with Eric Bauer, owner of Turner Hat Company.