Missing in Action: She Left a $350K Job to Build Something She Could Not Find

<p>On this week’s episode, I sat down with Jordan Polk, founder and CEO of M.I.A. also known as missing in action - a Detroit-based hair and scalp care brand on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible. A former investment banker and software private equity investor , Jordan left Wall Street to build the category she couldn't find — protection-first haircare for textured hair experiencing damage and dryness while living actively outdoors.</p><p><br />Missing in Action’s hero product, HairBlockTM, is a clean, science-forward daily barrier serum that supports against UV, chlorine, salt water, and cold weather. </p><p><br />Jordan placed 2nd at Beauty Tank LA in 2026 and is backed by 20+ years of haircare industry expertise through her advisor network.</p><p>In this episode, Jordan and I chat about her experience going from private equity to founding Missing in Action. And through her experience in high-finance, she shares her strategies for fundraising, building a credible brand, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.</p><p></p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p></p><p><b>00:00 - Introduction and Jordan’s Journey</b></p><p><br /><b>02:00 - Inspiration Behind MIA</b></p><p><br /><b>05:00 - Customer Feedback in Product Development</b></p><p><br /><b>08:30 - Leveraging Private Equity Skills</b></p><p><br /><b>12:00 - Focusing on One Product</b></p><p><br /><b>15:00 - Funding Strategies</b></p><p><br /><b>20:00 - Strategic Business Growth</b></p><p><br /><b>24:00 - Navigating Funding Challenges</b></p><p><br /><b>28:00 - Building an Inclusive Brand</b></p><p><br /><b>32:00 - Digital Marketing Strategies</b></p><p><br /><b>36:00 - Networking for Investment</b></p><p><br /><b>40:00 - Overcoming Product Challenges</b></p><p><br /><b>44:00 - Establishing Credibility</b></p><p><br /><b>48:00 - Personalizing Branding</b></p><p><br /><b>52:00 - Strategic Investor Engagement</b></p><p><br /><b>56:00 - Leveraging Partnerships</b></p><p><br /><b>60:00 - Mindset Shifts for Success</b></p><p><b>64:00 - Building a Scalable Business</b></p><p><b>68:00 - Social Media Impact</b></p><p><b>72:00 - Focused Marketing Approach</b></p><p><b>76:00 - Lessons for New Entrepreneurs</b></p><p><b>80:00 - Supporting Jordan and MIA</b></p><p><br /><b>resources</b></p><p>Jordan's Instagram - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/jordanismia/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/jordanismia/</a></p><p>Missing in Action (MIA) - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.missinginaction.com/" target="_blank">https://www.missinginaction.com/</a></p><p>First Look Ventures - <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://firstlookventures.com/" target="_blank">https://firstlookventures.com/</a></p><p>LinkedIn Profile of Jordan -</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanapolk/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanapolk/</a></p><p>Missing in Action's Instagram -</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.instagram.com/thebrandismia/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thebrandismia/</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>