Jewish Entrepreneur Rejected 100 Times, Sold for $3.3B

By William Lebovics September 2, 2026 3 views

Ryan Cohen founded Chewy by prioritizing customer relationships over margins, sending handwritten cards and pet portraits to build loyalty in an industry doubted by investors.

Ryan Cohen turned rejection into a $3.3 billion success story by recognizing what mattered most to pet owners: genuine connection. His focus on personalized customer service transformed an entire industry.

Questions & Answers

How many investors rejected Ryan Cohen before Chewy's success?

More than 100 investors rejected Ryan Cohen before his company succeeded.

What price did PetSmart pay to acquire Chewy?

PetSmart bought Chewy for $3.3 billion.

What unique customer service strategies did Chewy use to stand out?

Chewy built customer service around how much people loved their pets by sending handwritten cards, surprise pet portraits, and even flowers to customers.

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