Joseph Heller
CEO of THE/STUDIO | Expert in Global Supply Chain, E-commerce


Joseph Heller is the CEO and founder of THE/STUDIO, bringing over 15 years of experience in the manufacturing industry.
After spending more than a decade in China working with fashion brands, Joseph saw firsthand how traditional supply chains were outdated and failing to meet customer needs. This inspired his mission to modernize the manufacturing industry, which led to the creation of THE/STUDIO.
Joseph built an innovative platform that connects businesses with the best factories in the world, transforming how creators, brands, and organizations design and create custom products. THE/STUDIO became a major player in the supply chain, bringing iconic ideas to life with unprecedented speed, scale, and quality.
His work is based on a deep philosophy of craftsmanship and continuous improvement, which guides both his leadership at THE/STUDIO and his vision for the future of global supply chains.

Audience & Influence
LinkedIn Followers
Instagram Followers
Signature speaking topics
The Bootstrapped CEO: A Masterclass in Capital & Control
An inside look at the realities of building a business without relying on outside capital. Joseph shares actionable lessons on resilience, financial discipline, and his unique journey of taking strategic VC funding and then buying back the company to maintain its core mission.
Building a Better Alibaba: The Future of the D2C Supply Chain
After a decade in China, Joseph reveals why traditional sourcing is broken for small brands. He discusses the future of manufacturing, focusing on low MOQs, vetted factory networks, and how to build a resilient, global supply chain that empowers creativity and speed-to-market.
Leading from a Laptop: How to Scale a Global, Remote-First Company
A practical guide to the challenges and opportunities of leading a fully remote, international team. Joseph shares his frameworks for building a thriving culture, fostering communication, and driving accountability across different time zones and cultures.
What your audience will learn
Actionable insights on navigating the complexities of modern manufacturing.
A unique, real-world perspective on bootstrapping vs. VC funding.
Proven strategies for building and leading a successful remote, global team.
A look into the future of e-commerce and the role of a resilient supply chain.
Past media appearances

Podcast: The Rise and Importance of LIVE Selling
In this episode, Kunle and Joseph talk about how small businesses can easily source products in smaller quantities from China and why Social Selling on Facebook Live could be the next big thing in eCommerce.
“To be a successful ecom business, you have to embrace omnichannel”

Article: Meet The Disruptors: Joseph Heller of THE/STUDIO On The Three Things You Need To Shake Up Your Industry
“I truly believe that the only way to create true equality is to give everyone equal ability to create wealth. And that is why we believe our mission to democratize business is so important.”

Article: It took me 18 months and over 150 rejections before I finally raised VC money. Here's how I beat the odds as a Black man and secured $11 million in Series A
"African Americans, though among the original inhabitants of the United States, have missed out on every economic cycle since the formation of the nation"

Let's collaborate
Joseph is available for podcasts, webinars, and panel discussions on entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and the future of e-commerce.