How Dave Skaff Scaled Geologie From Startup to Acquisition and Leveraged AI to Transform Operations

Host: Martin Rowinski, CEO of Boardsi
Guest: Dave Skaff, Co-Fouder and former COO of Gelogie


 

In this episode of Boardsi Leadership Talks, host Martin Rowinski sits down with Dave Skaff, Co-Founder and former COO of Geologie, a personalized skincare brand that went from concept to multimillion-dollar success—culminating in its acquisition by Megalabs USA.

 

Dave shares how he and his co-founder launched Geologie with no skincare background, using a true beginner’s mindset to their advantage. From launching 20 SKUs out of the gate to building a data-driven personalization engine, they redefined the DTC skincare model—especially for men.

 

What truly sets this episode apart is the detailed breakdown of:

  • Why CX excellence starts with products that work.

  • How Geologie used remote-first hiring to build a high-output, cross-functional global team.

  • How Dave embedded AI across departments—from marketing to customer service—to stay lean and scalable.

  • The strategy behind landing a deal with Target, creating a non-benzoyl peroxide acne line, and positioning Geologie as an acquisition target.

  • His honest reflections on the acquisition journey and what he believes is next for consumer brands integrating AI and efficiency at scale.

 

Dave reveals:
✅ The “beginner’s mindset” hack that helped them disrupt men’s skincare
✅ Why starting with 20 SKUs (against all advice) was their secret weapon
✅ AI tools that replaced employees (and got praised in customer reviews!)
✅ The retail gamble that landed them at Target—and led to acquisition
✅ Remote team strategies to save costs and boost productivity

 

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Innovation
01:11 The Journey of Geology: From Concept to Acquisition
04:13 The Importance of a Beginner’s Mindset
08:07 Building a High-Touch Customer Experience
14:21 Leading a Remote Cross-Functional Team
19:50 Integrating AI Tools for Enhanced Productivity
24:34 Navigating Retail Expansion and Innovation
30:04 Future Endeavors and Insights on AI

 

If you’re a founder, executive, or operator aiming to scale intelligently and exit strategically—this is an episode packed with real-world wisdom and actionable tactics.

 

🎧 Listen now and gain insights on growth, innovation, and leveraging AI in consumer goods.

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