The Build Cycle: Recent Episodes
Tyler Benedict
Startup stories and tips for entrepreneurs mixed with expert Content Marketing lessons to help you grow your business, build your brand & increase sales!
What's up builders!
It's been a minute, but this episode brings it back in a big way. My friends Simon and Giulio are co-founders of Bike Connection Agency, a marketing and event firm focused on the cycling market.
If you're considering taking your own industry relationships and experience and creating a marketing or event agency, there's a lot to learn here about how to do it, what services to provide, and more.
Over the past six years, BCA has built up to four annual events and servicing a handful of premium marketing clients, which simultaneously sounds like a lot and not that much.
And that is one of the most fascinating parts of this interview - how they're balancing work and life by creating a business that meets their needs while still allowing for a massive amount of free time for both of them.
At a time when many of us are examining our own work - life balance and re-prioritizing personal and professional goals, to hear these two discuss it is incredibly refreshing.
The icing on the cake is their relationship. Starting a business with a lifelong friend can be tricky, but they've created a system of open, honest communication and trust that should be a benchmark for any of us. We get a little personal on this, and it's amazing.
WANT MORE?
For photos and more, check out this episode's show notes here: Ep #075 – Maximizing Work-Life Balance for Fun & Profit
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Have you ever tried to come up with a business idea that's mostly automated and creates a great passive income stream?
Or tried to figure out how to take your skillset and turn it into a low-effort lifestyle business?
Well, that's almost exactly what my guest today has done. Tina Wilmott already knew the Public Relations agency business, so when she wanted to take control of her time and her life, she found a gap in how brands were able to get their news in front of the media. She launched Endurance Sports Wire, and quickly hired a small team to handle the daily tasks.
In theory, it could basically run itself, but as you'll learn, the dream is much harder than the reality, especially for those of us with an entrepreneurial, growth mindset. If you want to launch your own side hustle or lifestyle business, or you're just interested in PR and media, this is a great episode for you!
Bite Size Content Newsletter
Get my (somewhat) weekly content marketing strategy newsletter for tips on how to get more press for your brand or product, and how to work with the media better!
Want more?
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
With the start of a fresh year, I thought it'd be fun to talk Mindset. We're all probably thinking through the ways we can perform better, manage better, grow our companies, and, hopefully, strike a better balance between work and life.
My guest today is entrepreneur mindset coach Joe Trodden. He focuses on working with early stage founders, those who have launched and built a small team, usually in their first few years of business. His goal? To help them, and us, push past some of the pain points that come as our teams grow but we still think of ourselves as the fearless leaders who can solve all the problems.
I know this is something I've done many times, and it's definitely a limiting factor for any company's growth. Here's how you overcome that by sharing your vision in a way that your team can execute.
SHOW NOTES & LINKS
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
We've all seen subscription boxes for everything, and kids toys, coding boxes, learning kits and more are common.
But a toy RENTAL service that's focused on eco-friendly sustainability whose toys are returned and sent back out to a new family? How does that even work? How is it safe? Is THAT business model as sustainable as its products?
I interview founder and CEO Rachael Classi on how she launched, where the idea came from, and how this early startup is sourcing products and pricing their service.
This is probably the youngest startup I've interviewed, but there's still plenty to learn. And it's an interesting concept with lessons and ideas you can apply to your own business.
For more show notes and links to connect with Rachael, head over to this show's post here:
https://tylerbenedict.com/2020/12/01/ep-072-how-tiny-earth-toys-launched-a-subscription-toy-rental-service/
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Want more startup stories, expert branding tips, and content marketing ideas? Hit SUBSCRIBE on your favorite podcast player right now!
Connect with Tyler on social here:
LinkedIn // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram
This episode is a mix of startup story and content marketing ideas, perfect if you're:
- looking for an uncluttered channel to promote your brands or products.
- wondering how someone creates a totally unique app in today's crowded landscape.
In this episode, Magma co-founder Jake Warner recounts his inspiration for creating an app that lets anyone create a well designed, easy to share, searchable digital magazine straight from their phone! Not only can you share it, but it can have links, videos and more...and it's SEO friendly with Google.
This one really impressed me, and I'm looking at how I can use it myself to promote my own businesses.
For full show notes and links to things mentioned in this episode, go to:
http://www.tylerbenedict.com/podcast and click on this episode!
Hello Builders and Content Creators!
It's been a while, but we're back in action with a new sound, new guests, and a few new topics to help you grow your business!
This is a quick episode, just letting you know what's coming up, and explaining why it's been a while since the last episode went live. And, as usual, there's at least one little takeaway to help you along your entrepreneurial journey.
Here's what's new:
- Fresh intro music
- More streamlined intro and outro
- Adding more brand-building marketing content
- New mini-episodes on Content Marketing
Links from this episode:
- Bite Size Content Marketing newsletter
- TylerBenedict.com
- Social links for more tips and random fun stuff:
Thanks a ton for staying subscribed. Now, let's get back to work...
We deal with PR agencies and PR people all the time over on my cycling tech blog, Bikerumor.com. Some are great, others could use a little help. And we see a mix of brands small and large, new and established, choose to work with a PR agency all the time, with mixed results. To say there's a lot of bouncing from firm to firm would be an undestatement.So I reached out to Verde Brand Communications' founder Kristin Carpenter to learn more about how a company should work with a PR firm, what they can expect, and how they can get the most out of it.
If you're a brand interested in hiring a PR agency to promote your brand, craft your message, and help get it in front of the media and consumers, this episode will give you a LOT to think about!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Two of the biggest takeaways are that you need to have realistic expectations, and you need to communicate with the agency.
Regarding communication, it's critical that the brand keep the agency aware of product launch dates, delays and other timing issues. Why? Because if a launch is going to be late, it's better to know ahead of time and push the promotional push back, too.
Another thing to consider is where they're getting your coverage. Sure, getting on Oprah or the Today Show might be huge awareness wins, but they may not move the sales needle if those shows aren't targeted to your customer base.
Regarding retainers and pricing, one thing I'd personally recommend is weighing the option of hiring someone in-house full time (or part time) versus an outside agency. Pros include having someone there day in, day out that can ensure your PR efforts are deeply integrated into everything else your brand is doing, from sales to marketing to production and scheduling.
It also gives media a direct point of contact that (usually) knows most of the technical questions. Cons might be that the person lacks the direct communication lines that a good, established PR firm already has with media and key editors. That list can take a long time to curate, as do the relationships.
Thanks for tuning in. If you like this, could you share a link to it with a friend? Or just tell another entrepreneur about this podcast? That really helps me grow my audience and continue getting amazing guests for you. Speaking of, my next guest's startup story is amazing…be sure to to hit subscribe on your favorite podcast player so you don't miss it!
WANT MORE?
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Are you struggling to come up with good content marketing ideas?
Trying to figure this whole content marketing thing out?
Not sure where to start?
My guest today is Melanie Deziel and she has a super simple framework for helping anyone come up with a limitless supply of content ideas. Even better, she helps you pick the right ones based on your message, your strengths as a communicator, and the publishing mediums available to you.
Her experience as a journalist turned brand story teller took her from Huffington Post to the New York Times to Time Inc, where she developed branded content programs for these major publishers. She coaches brands, marketers and startups on how to create better content marketing ideas. And now she's sharing her framework with us so we can create better brand stories to connect with our customers.
The Takeaway
I really like her Focus and Format starting point. And her idea of a Content Language. Let's face it, we all have our strengths, and learning to embrace those and pour fuel…dare I say Content Fuel…on them to drive real growth takes guts. But she's right, and she's not the only expert saying exactly that. Double down on the things that work for you, and maintain a minimum viable presence elsewhere.
For more ideas and links to connect with Melanie, check the show notes at tylerbenedict.com/podcast and click on this episode.
Want to learn more Content Strategy?
If you want to master content marketing strategy and learn how to create and execute a complete strategy, and come meet and learn from Melanie in person, join us both at Peak Content Summit in Asheville, North Carolina. Get the full speaker list and more details at PeakContentSummit.com.
Ever wondered how to start a conference? Launch a seminar? Or host your own event? Then this episode is for you! After launching and selling two separate events-related companies, AppsEvents founder Dan Taylor found himself also running Google Suite educational conferences. Now, his company hosts more than 300 events globally
In this episode, we talk about how he started, how he chose the topic and curriculum for his events, and how to market an event to attract more attendees. If you've ever wanted to start you own conference, mastermind, seminar, etc., this episode will tell you how to launch your own event and grow it!
WANT MORE?
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY...
This episode is brought to you by Peak Content Summit, the premier content marketing strategy conference for brand managers, content creators, influencers, marketers and anyone else who wants to maximize their influence, reach and revenue through content marketing. Check it out at PeakContentSummit.com.
The very first time I saw Tifosi's products in the store, I knew they were absolutely going to kill it. With a retail price that was one third of the premium brands that were popular at the time, but a look and feature set that seemed on par with those premium brands, Tifosi offered something people wanted at a price point they were willing to pay.
And it worked. They've grown like crazy, now owning more than 70% of the cycling specialty market for sunglasses, and they continue to develop top notch designs and features while retailing for about half what the big brands cost. Walk into almost any bike shop or independent running store and you'll likely see a Tifosi display on the counter. So, how did they get there? What were the challenges in going up against Spy, Oakley and other major brands? Today, we'll hear their startup and growth story directly from co-founder Joe Early.
THE TAKEAWAY
One of the biggest takeaways any consumer product brand should remember is Joe's tips on getting a good rep. When I had my beverage company years ago, we had a couple of great distributors with reps that seemed good, but those reps would barely even mention our product when they went into the stores.
Why? Because our sales volume was so low compared to their beer brands that it wasn't even worth their time. Many were just order takers, and that was it. They didn't have to sell. And it killed us. Nurturing your sales force, giving them the tools to do their job, and sometimes even helping to get those first accounts open, can sometimes make all the difference in the world.
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One of the biggest hurdles to managing startup life is balancing expectations at home with the drive to spend every waking hour (and every last ounce of energy) launching your company and fostering its growth. It can be all consuming, which leaves little for anything else. Brendan Moore, co-founder of cycling components brand Wolf Tooth Components shares how he and his wife set expectations in advance, and set some boundaries, which set the stage for them to succeed professionally and personally.
And that was a welcome bonus for this interview, which was originally conceived as a lesson on how to deal with product ideas and submissions from your customers. It's a concept that's rife with pitfalls, and can become a sticky mess if not handled properly. Brendan tells us how they do it, how and why they work with select outside designers, and why they pretty much don't want you to share your ideas with them. It's fun, and very enlightening.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This is the first episode I’ve done where we talk about retail strategy, but there’s a strong undercurrent of brand communication strategy throughout. And there’s a lot of different facets to building community around your brand, having meaningful conversations with your customers, and integrating your products, service or brand into their lives. There’s literally something here for any company looking to improve any of those aspects. My guest is Alex Barseghian, author of Local Motion, a book that details how brands both small and large can build a real relationship with their customers to turn them from one time buyers to lifelong loyalists.
And If you want to get ta little freaked out about how you’re being tracked? Be sure to listen all the way through to hear what can be done with loyalty programs and how major global brands and small mom and pops can all track basically everything you see, do, and want.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at tylerbenedict.com/podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
CBD oil and products are one of the hottest industries right now. I literally get 4 oorur 5 emails from PR companies and new brands every week trying to get us to post a story about their new CBD oil. It sounds a whole lot like the energy drink boom 15 years ago when there were literally twenty new brands launching every week. And then disappearing just as fast. So what’s the deal? What’s changed in the hemp industry and legal status that’s causing CBD to blow up? And how hard it is to start a CBD brand and business? What other opportunities are there? My guest today is Caleb Simpson, founder of Hemp Daddy’s Therapeutics, a premium CBD brand that’s going consumer direct. He tells us why there’s a boom, what sort of growth and regulation might be coming soon, and some tips if you’re looking to get into this fast growing industry!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
I really struggled with how to title this episode. Stefan Loble is the founder of Bluffworks, a clothing company that makes travel clothes that don't look like travel clothes. So, our conversation is based on his apparel brand, and it does provide a fascinating and revealing look at how the fashion and garment industry works. But, this is a wide ranging episode that goes far beyond the apparel industry, with concepts you can apply in your own business, regardless of your industry.
Stefan's story rings so true for so many entrepreneurs. First, he found something that he really liked but wasn't readily available. Second, he became miserable in his job. Which is a great starting point for launching a company if a) you're willing to do something about it, and b) you have the courage to leave your job. How he did it provides some key lessons for any entrepreneur. And how he's grown the brand has lessons for those of us who've already made the leap and are trying to figure out the next steps.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
As an entrepeneur, the one thing I struggle with most is finding the time to do the important work that grows my business. But Belay Solutions co-founder Bryan Miles has figured it out, owning a company with 700 plus people. Notice I said "owning" a company, not "running" it. That's an important distinction, and truly "Owning" it can only happen when you learn to delegate.
Belay Solutions launched in 2010 when Bryan and his wife, Shannon, both tired of working full time for others. He had been using a virtual assistant on his own, and with the Four Hour Workweek popularizing the concept, he saw a need for a U.S.-based option that could do things an offshore firm couldn't.
In this episode we talk about how you can offload the things that bog you down -whether that's to an assistant or your employees- plus, how to find a good personal assistant, and ways you can stop "running" your company and start "owning" it. Please welcome, Bryan Miles!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
How does a former pro NFL player launch one of the fastest growing meat snacks in the country? If you think it's only because he was a celebrity athlete, think again. Stryve Biltong co-founder Gabe Carimi switched gears from playing for the Atlanta Falcons to assembling a team of business all stars and working both smart and hard.
This episode is packed with advice for anyone launching a consumer packaged good, but especially one in the food or beverage space. This is an extremely wide ranging conversation - we talk about:
- finding the right partners
- acquiring manufacturing
- stifling competition
- getting into major retail chains
- marketing and sampling
- why direct-to-consumer online sales isn't the future they're chasing.
Here's another interesting thing: All three co-founders are very, very wealthy. So why did they take on outside investment capital? Also, what the heck is Biltong? If you've ever wondered what it takes to bring a food product to market, our conversation will open your eyes!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at https://wp.me/p8iNgs-kP and find every episode at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast.
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Everyone wants to get better at sales, but once you've had some success, could you explain why? Could you repeat that and train others to mimic that success? Cirrus Insight cofounder Brandon Bruce has grown his sales integration software company into a $12MM business by focusing on the process and creating systems that show where growth comes from and how to replicate it.
But there's a surprising benefit to this: It allows you to predict potential customers' needs, which you can use to lead them down your sales path and get them invested in your product or service before you ever make the sales pitch! We talk about that and a whole lot more of the challenges startups face early on when trying to figure out how to create a sales system for their company.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
What if I told you that some of your people are dragging you down? That they're slowing your growth and limiting your company's potential? Would you know who they are? If not, do you want to know how to find them? And get rid of them?
That's exactly what my guest today will teach us, and it's massively entertaining! Jeffrey Hayzlett recounts his time as CMO of Eastman Kodak and how he reset the culture to one of accountability and results-oriented action by weeding out the naysayers and "Negative Nancies" one by one.
Fair warning, he gets animated. And there's a bit of language. But this is one of my most fun episodes yet, and I know you're going to love it. It's also my first live recording, so be sure to stick around to the end for bonus questions from the audience.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this episode's show notes. And find every episode at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This episode discusses two important things any entrepreneur should know. First, how to use sponsorships to grow your brand and sales. Second, and much more important, is how to lead.
Santini is an Italian, family run premium cycling apparel company doing north of $30 million in annual sales. Started more than 60 years ago by her father, Monica Santini now runs the company her younger sister heading the marketing department. Together, they've grown through strategic sponsorship alliances and by cultivating their retail network. In this episode we discuss how they make those deals work for them, then transition into some of the challenges and benefits of being a female leader. Here's the important part: Her advice will help any leader foster a world class work environment that attracts and retains the best employees.
Full this show's notes: https://wp.me/p8iNgs-k5
For all show notes, links and images, check out TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Are you stuck figuring out what kind of business to start, how to start it, or just tired of being a Wantrapreneur? Or do you just feel like you’re spinning your wheels with busy work? Or you can’t figure out out how to optimize for real growth? Yeah? Then you’re going to LOVE this episode! My guest is AppSumo founder Noah Kagan, and he’s constantly launching new companies to solve his own pain points. Today, he walks us through how to come up with a new idea, launch a company, and grow it from scratch by simply taking something you’re already doing and finding a way to charge people for it. And if you’re already established, he tells us how we can grow our business by doubling down on what works and focusing our efforts on the things that actually move the needle. Whether you’re just starting out or trying to find ways to scale things up, this episode is sure to both entertain and enlighten! Please welcome Noah Kagan!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
More and more entrepreneurs, myself included, are launching with a direct-to-consumer business model, and for good reason. It’s never been easier.
But just because you can start easily, doesn’t mean running and scaling that business will be easy. Today, I’m talking with Fezzari Bikes founder Chris Washburn about how they’re selling high ticket items, sight unseen, by building trust with customers, plus how they deal with inventory forecasting, production, and all the other things you might not be thinking about when you’re just focused on launching your company. Chris shares how they set their pricing, which is a tricky subject when you’re competing against established brands with a strong retail presence, and many more of the challenges and lessons he’s learned in 12 years of building a business. If you’re running a direct to consumer company, this episode is for you!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Do you want to make more sales? Do you struggle to close the deal? Then you're probably doing it all wrong.
Matthew Pollard bills himself as "The Rapid Growth Guy", and that branding is just the teaser to bring you into his world of story telling as the best sales method. It's not a fairy tell. As you'll hear, using facts and figures to convince someone to buy from you is a fool's errand. Better to tell stories that exemplify your knowledge and understanding, and combine those with questions that help you present the right information in the right way so the customer convinces themselves that they need you. The best parts? You basically take your competition out of the picture, and there's no need for a hard close. The right people will want to buy from you!
Get ready for a roller coaster of information overload, and be sure to bookmark the show notes on this for a recap. Hold on tight, here we go!
SHOW NOTES & LINKS
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
What if I told you there were simple little things you could do that would double your revenues and profits?
Sound to good to be true? At the top level, doubling your business can seem like a monumental task. Where do we start? What do we do? In his new book, Cadence, author Pete Williams breaks it down to just seven things that drive growth, then walks us through the process of finding small, consistent wins in each. Before you know it, these small improvements across your business quickly add up. If you've ever struggled to grow or just don't know where to start, this episode is for you!
Pete shares some of the mistakes he was making in his company, many of which will probably sound familiar, and what he focused on turned things around. As you're listening, I encourage you to think about where each of these Seven Levers are in your business, then use the show notes as a reference guide.
Oh, and stay tuned through the end to hear how you can win a copy of Cadence for yourself!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Do you want to create a brand that stands out? Wondering how to create a world class brand that people actually care about and love? Then you'll love this Branding Master Class with Ponysaurus Brewing co-founder David Baldwin, who is also the founder of Baldwin&, an award winning advertising and branding agency in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Using Ponysaurus as a case study, David discusses how to create a memorable and impactful brand for your product, service or company by finding its authentic truth. This episode starts off with the story and process behind creating Ponysaurus, then we dive into more practical tips and topics on how you can create your own brand.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This episode is a mix of “how I built this” and “how to make money making videos”, with equal parts business strategy, startup story, and best practices for monetizing your videos. The expert is Uscreen founder PJ Taei, who built a video-on-demand platform that lets you sell your own streaming video content. His story shows the value of creating the right features, proving you can find paying customers, and charging enough for your product. And for aspiring video content creators out there, I think you’ll be both inspired and motivated by some of the stories he shares about his customers. The short of it? Sounds like you can make a lot of money by selling your video content to the right audience, and we talk about how to do just that. Lights, camera, action!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This week’s episode is very short, under 30 minutes, but it’s packed with valuable insights about how to get your product spec’d as original equipment on something larger, or just get your product, service or tech bundled in as part of a bigger finished good. Apologies in advance for the wind noise, I met the product managers from Marin Bicycles at an outdoor cafe while at a major mountain bike event in France to ask them how and why they choose the parts that go on their bikes. The lessons they shared are applicable whether you’re hoping to get your product on a bike, car, used as part of a retail or entertainment venue, or bundled in with another product to help drive sales. Or maybe you just wonder why you see the same parts and brands spec’d on so many different things? If your product can be used to add value or functionality to something else, this episode explains the product manager’s thought process and walks you through the steps you need to follow to make your product a viable option for OEM spec!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
I'll be honest. This conversation didn't exactly head in the direction I thought it would, but that's what makes it so darn fun to listen to. It might be my most entertaining episode yet, and in the end, it came out full of value, too. Dan Levine and Steven Pulver started Fireside Conference four years ago with the idea that they'd make a startup conference more like summer camp - informal, fun, and intimate. The kind of event where you make real connections and new friends, far beyond corporate networking. It caught on, and even though they lost a lot of money that first year, Dan and Steve decided to keep doing things the way they want, financial consequences be damned. And there's lessons in that. But they keep growing, and have found ways to run an insanely cool conference that attracts some incredible talent without having to pay anyone to attend, and that's led to other revenue opportunities. If you're thinking of creating a conference or any other event, this is a great episode that covers a wide range of things you'll absolutely need to consider before putting your plans in place!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
If you're looking to build a service business, especially one that utilizes an existing service infrastructure, this episode is for you. There are some industries - finance, insurance, and telecom come to mind - that are so big and so regulated, that they just seem insurmountable. Yes, they could all be better. Much better, but where do you start? This week’s guest is Bill Alcorn, founder of BikeFlights.com. He tackled another giant, complicated segment - shipping - in order to make it easier and cheaper for cyclists to ship their bikes to events, races or just ahead of them for a long weekend with friends. And when I say cheaper, I mean a LOT cheaper. So, how did he build an incredible customer service and benefits layer on top of FedEx’s existing network while talking them into offering rates as low as half of standard ground shipping? That answer and so much more in this interview!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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What if you start a non-profit out of a for-profit, then that non-profit starts its own for-profit to fund its non-profit operations? Sound confusing? It’s not, and it’s actually an incredibly smart way to help change the world without constantly relying on donations and hand outs to operate. FK Day co-founded SRAM, one of the world’s largest cycling component brands. Then, after 20 years, he stepped aside to launch World Bicycle Relief, taking all of the business lessons he learned from SRAM and applying them to grow rapidly and make a massive impact through bicycle donations. You may not be making the world a better place through cycling, but there are a ton of corollaries any entrepreneur can use to grow by empowering employees, building so you can scale, and going where your customers are. Listen in to hear how FK has built a massive global enterprise and his tips for doing the same with your own business!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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Are you ready to CRUSH kickstarter? If you’re like me, you probably think of crowdfunding as a way to launch your product, using it to raise the money needed to fund the startup. Well, we might be all wrong. Peak Design did it differently, and they are killing it on Kickstarter, having raised more than $16 million across seven projects in as many years. So, what is founder Peter Dering’s secret? Getting the product ready to ship before launching the campaign, then use the campaign to build buzz and sales. Counterintuitive? Yes, and that’s only the beginning. We discuss his crazy early bird pricing concept that drives massive sales, plus margins, shipping, logistics, customer service, how to make a great video, and so much more. If you’re considering using Kickstarter, IndieGoGo or any other crowdfunding system to launch your product, you absolutely MUST listen to this episode. Please welcome, Peter Dering!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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If you’ve ever dreamt about turning your passion into your business, this episode is for you. Jax Mariash is the founder of Stoked Roasters, a small but growing coffee company that took a different approach to their branding. See, Jax is also an insanely good athlete, so she combined her love of the outdoors, travel and being stoked on life with a passion for coffee. Boom, Stoked Roasters was born and in just a few short years she’s grown it to almost a million dollars in annual revenue, opened two stores and so much more. All while training and competing at the very highest level…seriously, just wait until you hear what’s she’s doing. This episode is full of inspiration, but also practical tips on creating a unique brand, hiring the right kinds of people, and expanding your retail presence. And we geek out a bit on coffee, too. So fill your cup, kick back, and enjoy this conversation with Jax Mariash!
Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Quick favor: Can you hit that link to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review? Thanks!
Check out the show notes, links, images and more from this episode here:
http://tylerbenedict.com/2018/05/29/the-build-cycle-podcast-045-turn-your-passion-into-a-business-w-stoked-roasters-jax-mariash/
Long time fans have been wondering "Why did Jordan Harbinger leave the Art of Charm podcast?" Yes, Jordan’s departure from AoC came a surprise to its listeners, but it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to him. We discuss why he's no longer there, but that's just the starting point in this wide ranging conversation on how anyone can pick up on the signals that their business (or personal) relationships might be going the wrong way. He explains why it’s so important to be real with yourself about how you and your partners are getting along.
In this massively informative interview, we also discuss how he's rebuilding his audience through The Jordan Harbinger Show. He also shares his tips on how to create a world class podcast, attract top notch guests, and keep listeners coming back for more. It's valuable info, but throughout it all, we continue to explore what it takes to own your future by owning your decisions. If you're struggling to grow your company, keep your workers or business partners happy, or just can't seem to get a break, this episode will help open you up to a better, more growth-oriented mindset!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This episode is brought to you by HealthIQ, check out them out to save real money on life insurance and show your support for this Podcast!
What if you could leverage your work so that others pay for your passion project? That's what Col Collective founder Mike Cotty is doing, getting his sponsors to fund his YouTube channel. In this Part 2, we explore how he films, edits and produces his video, the equipment he uses, and how he's now using his brand equity to expand the business without necessarily expanding his work load.
If you've ever dreamt of being a YouTube star or creating a channel that draws millions of viewers, Mike explains how to do it right and create content that will stand the test of time.
Not interested in YouTube? There's still plenty here for you, too. Mike's approach to leveraging the brand that he's built serves as an example all of us should be thinking about. How can we take what we're doing and make it valuable to others such that they'll pay us to be associated with our brand? Listen to how he's doing it and then put on that thinking cap!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
This episode is brought to you by HeathIQ. If you're a founder and have anyone counting on you -family, employees, investors- you need life insurance. If you stay fit, and we all should to be able to run a company, then HealthIQ could save you real dollars on your life insurance policy. Learn more and support this episode by checking them out at HealthIQ.com/BuildCycle
If you've ever wondered how you could start your own business as a side hustle while being employed full time, this episdoe is for you. Especially if you actually like your job, but dream of more freedom.
Mike Cotty started The Col Collective while working for Cannondale, and he loved what he was doing. But the open road and opportunity beckoned, meeting him around every bend in the road. Our first conversation lasted more than three hours long, and was simply too much to edit down, but was a great discovery call. For this podcast and the upcomind Part 2, I had better questions to ask, and we nailed it.
In Part One, we talk about how he found his dream job early on, but unknowingly started planting seeds that would grow into his own gig. Why is this worth listening to? Because it shows that even if you really enjoy your job, sometimes you need to reevaluate your personal goals and make sure they're aligned with your current heading. It also illustrates how you can start the process of launching your own company way, way before jumping ship, how you can leverage your experience to become a consultant or contractor for your former employer, and learn the skills you need in the future while still on someone else's payroll. It's the long game, but it makes jumping ship a lot less scary and keeps the income flowing while you start up. If you're wondering how to start a side hustle while at a full time job, this is one way to do it right!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
I've long believed that if you made something so cool it can't be ignored, then you've got a real business opportunity. Not a business yet, just an opportunity. But put in the work to build a real product, manage production and dial in the marketing, and that business opportunity can explode into a wildly successful brand. That's exactly what Tentsile founder Alex Shirley-Smith did with his amazing floating tree tents. Listen in as he tells where the idea came from, how he overcame crazy manufacturing problems (including getting banned from his own factory), and has grown sales volume more than 10x every year!
This episode is brought to you by HealthIQ, be sure to check out the note at the bottom of this post and see why, as an entrepreneur, that matters for you!
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For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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What do you do if you have a life changing product, but no knows they need it?
That's the problem Strider Bikes founder Ryan McFarland faces. In this episode we talk about how he redesigned the bicycle for kids as young as 2 by throwing conventional designs out the window. The result is a balance bike, and it works perfectly, but it was solving a problem most parents didn't know they had. And new models catering to different audiences like special needs persons suffered the same problem. Ryan and I discuss their marketing solution, as well as retail challenges, market opportunities, manufacturing and other random things we all deal with as entrepreneurs. Please enjoy this wide ranging interview
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
So, you want to start a nutrition or supplement company?. After all, energy bars and healthy snack foods are exploding, right? Here's how the business really works, as told by someone who's been doing it for almost eight years, gained distribution in REI and Whole Foods, and built their own production kitchen.
Seeking healthier real food options to fuel their adventures, co-founders Caleb Simpson and Chris Herbert launched Bearded Brothers to offer energy bars made with real, whole foods and organic ingredients. In this interview, Caleb shares how they started, the challenges and opportunities of gaining national retail distribution, and their marketing tactics. Plus, why they're betting heavily on direct to consumer sales as a channel for growth. Which means there's a lot to learn, whether you're in the food or supplement industry or not.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Do you want to start an apparel or accessories brand? Or see how others are using social media to grow their brand and sales? Handup Gloves founder Cody Wallis tells us how he does both, along with tips and tactics to create the designs and get a finsihed product manufactured and delivered. He started the company just out of college and figured the numbers made sense, so what could possibly go wrong? Worst case, they'd be stuck with inventory in their living room and sell it off slowly. Fortunately, it's done much, much better than that. Here's his startup story!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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“The best entrepreneurial ideas are when someone solves their own problem and then realizes there are other people out there that have the same problem.” Think about a product you use weekly, then think about every way you could make it better. Then figure out how you could turn that into a product even without a the budget. That’s exactly what David McQuillen did when he launched The Sufferfest, a digital download series of cycling trainer videos that’s grown into a streaming app with exclusive rights to UCI race footage and global audience. While he may have lucked into a better distribution method, he made something infinitely better than the alternatives of the time, and has continued to improve it to stay at the top of his game and remain relevant amongst a slew of new virtual and digital competition. Here’s his story, full of lessons for any entrepreneur!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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Wondering how to start an events business? It doesn't matter if you're running a tradeshow, a conference, a marathon, or a kids obstacle course race series, the fundamentals are the same. That last one is what Billy and Helen Mattison have done, building Kids Adventure Games into a national race series that's ripe for growth. In this episode, they share where the idea came from, the participation numbers they need to fill an event, where their revenue comes from, and how they've created an experience that surprises and delights kids and parents alike. That helps them fill future events with repeat customers and grow the event through the wonderful free marketing known as "word of mouth". It takes more than a great idea to run a successful event, though. We talk about venue selection, timing, staffing and more, giving you a solid foundation upon which to build your own killer event or series.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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As a founder, many of us start our companies solo, then bring on people to help. And that's where it can get tricky…we're idea people, right? Not managers. No one taught us how to do this. How do you manage people? Could you do it better? Is there a difference between managing 10 employees or 600? Gary Smith is CEO of Polartec, one of the world's largest technical fabric manufacturers. They supply to The North Face, Timberland, Eddie Bauer & virtually every other outdoor clothing brand. He's also owner of Independent Fabrication, a boutique custom bicycle brand. Between the two, he's managing completely different workforce types and sizes. In this episode, he tells us how he does it and provides lessons on leadership we can all put into practice immediately!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
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"It doesn't start with the content. It starts with the business goals."
If you're building a brand, you've almost certainly heard you that need a content marketing strategy, too. Which usually means a company blog, which means you need content to put on that blog. The more important question you should be asking yourself is "WHY do I need a content marketing strategy?"
In this week's episode, Blogs For Brands founder Yoon Kim helps us answer that, and provides strategies for developing the right kind of content marketing to increas sales and awareness, and other things to consider when planning your branded storytelling. We dive pretty deep, and I throw a lot of questions at him at once, but by the end of this podcast, you'll know how to develop your own content marketing strategy based on your goals and with performance metrics you can measure!
Find more actionable advice on content marketing on this episode's blog post, plus links to the tools Yoon mentions, photos and more!
Like it? Got more questions? Hit me up on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let me know what you want to hear more of!
Do you ever wonder if other entrepreneurs are struggling with the same issues you are?
Daniel Galhardo launched Tenkara USA in 2009 and has grown it into the premiere brand of Japanese-style fly fishing rods through a combination of beautiful branding and aspirational marketing. But like every founder, he struggles with the same issues all entrepreneurs do. In this episode, we discuss how he's still figuring out his product cycle and management, hiring, and the ever vexing issue of how to delegate when you already know how to do it so well yourself.
We discuss how to keep things fresh when your products don't change every year, some of the ways we vet potential employees, as well as his startup story of finding manufacturers and launching the brand.
Like so many of us, he's figuring it out as he goes. One of my favorite quotes from this episode is: "I still treat my business as a learning opportunity. It's fun figuring things out, even if it's the hard way sometimes."
So, cast your attention this way and get ready to land some inspiration for running your own business better!
Quick note: If you liked this episode, click that SUBSCRIBE button your favorite podcast player, and leave me a review and rating. I want to know what YOU think, and what you'd like to hear more of!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
If you're going to start a business, it's hard to beat something that both fuels and funds your passions. Mike Cachat started JensonUSA in the most haphazard of ways, as a teenager, and against his father's wishes. Now it's one of the largest online bike shops in the world. His early startup methods are a little different than how we'd do it today, but his ingenuity is inspiring (and entertaining). This is a little bit longer episode, but I think you’ll enjoy it. If you want to jump past the startup story and straight to some modern day advice, skip to about 32 minutes in. You’ll lose a little context, but that’s we we start talking numbers, marketing and management. We discuss how he runs a massive business with tons of inventory and a huge payroll, plus how they market through social media, Google and affiliate programs. Consider this your crash course in running an online store with equal parts good advice and plenty of things you should definitely NOT do!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Oh, and if you're considering making your own podcast, download my free 10-step guide here!
And now for comething completely different! A few episodes ago I promised something a little bit new and different, and here it is. Going forward, I’ll be mixing in subject matter experts to give us actionable tips and tactics we can use right away to improve our businesses! This week we start off with a bang, getting a masterclass in Search Engine Optimization from Ezoic’s marketer in chief Tyler Bishop. If you think SEO is as simple as using the right keywords, paying for links or its a total mystery, you’re in for a treat. I learned a TON, and I know you will too! Get ready to take notes, and be sure to stick around to the end for bonus info!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
"Safe is not groundbreaking. Safe will not bring change to the world."
Phil Keoghan embodies the spirit of The Build Cycle in every way. He seeks out adventure, and he's an entrepreneur in the broadest sense of the word. Phil's launched television shows, written books, filmed a documentary, developed nutritional products, and so much more.
Originally I wanted Phil to talk about how he broke into television and hear any tips he has for anyone looking to create great content or get in front of the camera. And we talk about all that, but the biggest lessons in this episode center on his attitude of seeing No Opportunity Wasted. That's the mindset, but it's the execution that matters, and having a constant interest in learning and preparing puts him in the position to take advantage of any opportunity that comes his way.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Quick background: In 2006, Floyd Landis won the Tour de France. Seventy two hours later, he was stripped of that title, then spent years fighting doping allegations in the courts at a huge emotional and financial cost. Fast forward 10 years and he's shrugged it all off to launch Floyd's of Leadville, a hemp-product brand of capsules, tinctures and other products that eschew THC for the legal ingredient CBD oil. It's a far more expensive ingredient, but it's legal in all 50 states, and believers say it provides all of the pain relief benefits of smoking marijuana (or more, even) without getting you high. As the medical establishment creeps all-too-slowly toward this natural alternative to addictive opioids, entrepreneurs like Floyd are pushing forward with their own products.
Besides being a cyclist, my interest here is how he bounced back from a very dark time, what could easily equate to failing at a first business attempt, and moving forward in a progressive if not questionable industry that's heavy on regulation. What made Floyd want to launch a "marijuana" business? It's all here in this amazing interview with former pro cyclist Floyd Landis!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Ultimately, this story is about making a better mousetrap. After seeing people struggle with lacing systems, BOA founder Gary Hammerslag used his experience in medical device wires to fashion a mechanical wire-and-real closure system that allowed for uniform, consistent fit. Two things are important here: First, consumers weren't thinking they needed something better. Second, Gary didn't try to devise a better way of lacing up winter boots, he came up with something entirely new, different and better. He saw a problem for which a solution wasn't even being considered, which means opportunity. The challenge, then, wasn't just to create a solution, but figure out how he could bring it to market. And therein lie some of the key lessons in this episode - Gary talks about working with OEM partners, preserving capital, and marketing to two different audiences.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
As the founder of iconic brands like Dana Designs, Mojo Systems and now Mystery Ranch, Dana Gleason has been making bags, packs and outdoor gear for four decades. Yet, he’s stayed on top of the game with continuous innovation. Sometimes, that required a complete relaunch as a new brand, but his successful track record made me wonder: How does he keep adapting to changing needs, the changing retail landscape, and changing consumer habits? It’s all here in this incredible episode, featuring my most charismatic guest yet. We cover domestic versus Asian manufacturing, quality control, the different types of customers, and who to watch out for, and when to fire your dealers altogether. As he puts it, “Engage in the careful selection of customers”. Get ready for a roller coaster of an episode!
Key topics:
- Product strategy
- Development and manufacturing
- Retail strategy
- Business growth
- Customer selection
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
"Failures are just opportunities for growth. They're not mistakes, they're expenses. You're out of business when you can't afford your mistakes.”
Erik Ekman is the founder of Outside Van, an Oregon-based manufacturer of full custom, adventure-ready Sprinter vans. This is one of my shorter interviews, but it’s packed with great advice on how to run a company that attracts deep talent and does amazing work. Erik and I are both mountain bikers, so there are a few cycling references in here, but most it's just killer advice on how to create a company that's pushing boundaries while selling a premium product. The quote above is one of my favorites and sums up his fast moving, experimental management style. And with that, please enjoy episode 26 of The Build Cycle Podcast!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Doesn't matter if you do anything related to bicycles, Carl Strong has lessons that'll help every entrepreneur start and run a successful, profitable business.
Carl is legend within the custom bicycle frame building industry for good reason - he leads seminars, coaches younger builders, and most importantly, leads an industry in running his business as a real business, not a passion play. That’s a mistake so many entrepreneurs make. Sometimes, that allows for a great lifestyle business, but if you want to build a real company that’s highly profitable and capable of growing, Carl’s two decades of lessons are distilled into this episode. On top of that, he’s launching a new, ready-made brand of carbon fiber bikes with a partner, which will focus on limited runs of a single model at a time. And it’ll be high end, which caters to a customer that’s not arguing over price, which lets them focus on building something great. Those discussions on pricing, value systems, and determining your real bottom line are pure gold!
I took a ton of notes on this episode, check them out here with photos and more. And be sure to leave a rating and review whereever you listen to podcasts! Thanks!
Check out more episodes at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Imagine launching your own product aligned perfectly with your passions, heading out on an 18-month roadshow to market it at your favorite outdoor spots, and having someone else paying for all of it. Sound’s amazing, right? That’s exactly what Boulder Denim co-founders Bradley Spence and Taz Barrett are doing. They hit the road in June in a custom Sprinter and Airstream trailer, traveling all over the US to demo their unique stretchy pairs of jeans that work just as well climbing as they do out on the town. They started out with nothing more than an idea, but thanks to fearless knocking on doors, jumping at all the right opportunities, and a killer Kickstarter strategy (plus a comically random assortment of crappy high school jobs and college startups), they’ve pulled off the ultimate lifestyle business. And it could get huge!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
What does it take to build a global brand? Mike Sinyard founded Specialized Bicycles to get the parts he wanted into the US. Then he created a road bike tire because he couldn't find anything that met his needs. Step after step, he built his company, and now it's one of the largest bicycle brands in the world. A big part of his success is owed to the strong culture he's built with passionate, open minded employees all focused on a single mission: Create the best bicycles in the world.
Here's how he did it, and check the show notes for photos, video and more at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Strava has created THE unifying platform upon which cyclists share their rides, amassing tens of millions of users, and creating a massive platform of paid subscribers and valuable data. They did this by making it device agnostic, gamifying the experience, and making it incredibly easy to use. The result? A service that's able to push more services and products to their customers, sell aggregated data to municipalities, and attract massive venture capital. Here, co-founder Mark Gainey shares their startup story and growth tactics.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
What if you could start a business that funded you and your best buddies' adventures? Wolfpack Ninja Tour cofounder Noah Kaufman is using their teams' American Ninja Warrior celebrity platform to build a national consumer sporting event series. It could have just been a T-shirt business to fund climbing trips, but they kept their eyes open for opportunities and took advantage of them, and it's led them to create something big. And being smart about their growth, attracting sponsors, and learning as they go means they're buidling something that will last. Listen in as Noah tells how competition is good, how they're co-opting other's marketing to their benefit, and how they've focused on the right type of customer.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Chris Warner has summited some of the tallest mountains in the world, and now he helps leaders reach the top of their game. He's also the founder of Earth Treks climbing gyms, which owns the largest indoor climbing facility in the USA. He drops some tips for building your own leadership skills (straight from his very expensive seminars!) and discusses revenue and management strategy...two things most passion-based outdoor/adventure entrepreneurs desperately need to do better!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast for a LOT of post-interview knowledge, links to his videos (including a full speech) and a free download from Chris!
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
So you want to start a website. Or a podcast. Or a blog, YouTube channel or any other media outlet. Being able to talk about the things you love and live it every day sounds awesome. And it is. But things have changed, and the publications that are figuring out the right mix brand partnerships and editorial are the ones that are thriving.
GearJunkie.com Founder and Editor Stephen Regenold has built a sizable team and business pursuing the activities he loves. He's able to climb, ski, hike and explore the outdoors and it's all "business". If that's not the definition of a dream lifestyle business, I don't know what is. But he's able to do that and support a staff of eight, each following their own passion to provide comprehensive coverage of the outdoor industry and life. Here's how he's done it.
As always, for full show notes, time stamps and more, check the blog at http://www.thebuildcycle.com
My favorite quote from this interview with Tepui Tents founder Evan Currid?
"Are we going to buy a house, or are we going to start this company?"
It's this mentality that makes things happen. Setting aside creature comforts, sleep, an easy day job, and other "sacrifices" barely seem like such when you're following a dream. Tepui was started with personal savings of $33,000 right after Evan and his wife married, and that question up above was the decision they had to make. Here's how that even became a consideration, and where they've gone from there to build the most well known North American brand in car roof-top tents!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
It doesn't matter what type of business you want to build, strong partnerships will help you and and your industry grow. Competitor Magazine founder Bob Babbit used this strategy to amazing success, building not just his magazine but also launching a radio show, podcast, awards ceremony and events. All of which created an ecosystem that supported gear brands and their retailers, which in turn gave him more readers, listeners and participants.
There's some fascinating insight into the world of events here, but even if that and the media world aren't your interest, you'd be missing out to skip this episode! Easily one of my favorites so far!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
It's not just apps and websites kids are launching in college. Pure Cycles started up as an idea in the middle of a fall semester. By winter break, Michael Fishman and two friends had a container of bikes delivered and sold all of them before returning for spring semester. The best part? They did all that with just a few thousand bucks from personal savings! If you're launching a consumer product, Michael's thoughts on development, sourcing, sales and marketing will give you all the tools you need to get up and running fast!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Want to travel the country, explore nature & have customers pay you to help with market research? That's the business Dean Wiltshire has built with Colorado Teardrops, a camper trailer manufacturer based in Boulder, Colorado.
He left a lucrative job in tech to start the company, which freed up his time to travel with his daughter. Thanks to his business skills, he's growing at a sustainable pace, controlling his retail sales experience, and is building the company off revenues. Listen in to see how he's done it and pick up advice for how to launch a consumer product!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Why create a business when you could create a platform for others to build businesses upon? That's what Beeline Bikes' co-founder Peter Buhl did by launching their mobile bike repair vans as a franchise system. Originally conceived as a multi van operation around their home territory, they quickly figured out that the best way to scale was to bring in owner/operators and franchise the concept. Here's his story, which is full of great ideas for keeping your customers, whether they're franchisees or not, by treating them right and making their lives as easy as possible.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Want to use alternative retail channels as a source of growth? Or take advantage of an industry downturn to save production costs? Those are two of the biggest takeaways from my interview with Chris Mogridge, founder of Mercury Cycles. Like previous podcast guest Boyd Johnson (of Boyd Cycles), Chris' company make bicycle wheels. But that's were the similarities end. Chris has taken a completely different route to market, and we talk a lot about two different business experiments that reinforce the lesson "fail fast" and move on. This one's got a lot to teach, hope you enjoy!
Oh, and if you haven't subscribed on iTunes or Stitcher yet, please do! It helps me bring you MORE great interviews. And hit me up @thebuildcycle on social media with any comments, tips or questions...or even ideas for future guests that YOU'd like to hear from!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Wonder why things are the way they are? Why brands settle for the status quo when there's obviously a better way? That's what Altra Running founder Golden Harper thought as he hacked and modified his running store customers' shoes to alleviate all types of pains. After selling thousands of altered shoes, he figured there was a market for foot-shaped, zero drop shoes, but Nike, adidas, nor any of the other big brands were interested in the tech. So he launched it himself, bringing key friends and angels on board to get the first production run going, then sold the entire copmany before the first shoe ever delivered. There are a ton of lessons here for anyone that things they've found a better way to do something!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
If you want to start a tour or guide company, this episode is for you! Founder Steve Mokan's exposure to adventure travel came from his side gig as a photographer for gear brands and ski resorts, so he took the things he liked from those experiences and created Chasing Epic. As a mountain bike tour group leader, he's taken a unique approach to bringing a team together, using existing guides to streamline the startup process and working with brands to ensure his customers have all the gear they need for a stellar riding vacation. As a bonus, he's pretty good at taking pics of them while riding, so everyone goes home looking and feeling like a pro with the pics to prove it!
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Curious how to launch and grow a company while living abroad? Or how to create a product using a combination of off-the-shelf and custom machined parts? Ard Kessels is doing all of that with Kogel Bearings, a high end ceramic bearing brand for bicycles, and he's selling the very expensive upgrades through a combination of strategic athlete sponsorship and educational story telling.
Get ready to spin out some notes as you hear his startup story, and get my full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Think you're a subject matter expert and want to coach, train or mentor others? Hunter Allen has been there, done that, offering 1-on-1 personal coaching for pro athletes, managing a team of coaches to train the masses, and co-founded TrainingPeaks, one of the top online/cloud based training programs. He share his #startup story, plus tons of great strategies for builidng your own systems. Whether you want to coach athletes, entrepreneurs or anyone else, you'll learn how to build a business larger than yourself by making it easy for others.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Fair warning: Mike's a talker, in the best possible way. Our conversation meanders back and forth through his work background, and each turn reveals another piece of the puzzle that's come together to create the "Mountain Bike Stage Race World Championship" event. He's also running the Vail Outlier, a consumer mountain bike festival that's quickly established itself as a major late-season event. Oh, and he's running a PR firm that works with some of the top brands in the cycling industry. If you're looking to create and run an event, whether sporting or a business seminar or lifestyle retreat, there is a ton of hard won knowledge in here.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Kate and Andrew Gates and their families were looking for a retreat for themselves in the mountains of Georgia. They ended up at Mulberry Gap, located deep in the Chattahoochee National Forest in Elijay, GA. It's a big property, and it already had cabins, a barn and more, and it quickly became clear they'd need to do something to generate revenue to support the property. Fortunately, they were smack in the middle of some of the best trails in the state, and it didn't take long for mountain bikers to start asking if they could camp there. A business was born, and now it was time to figure out things like permits, shuttling, food service, maintenance and sooooo much more. Welcome to the world of hospitality.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Boyd Johnson started his eponymous wheel brand after retiring from professional road racing and quickly grew it from concept to being very, very busy. He started by ordering catalog parts from Asian manufacturers, lacing the hubs and rims into custom wheel builds before being able to have his own hub and rim designs created. Here, we discuss how he got into wheels, how customer service is the big differentiator in a crowded market and some of the methods and challenges of using overseas manufacturing.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Sean Lilly Wilson ended up started Fullsteam Brewery not because he was an avid home brewer, but simply because he thought existing laws were silly. Or, more specifically, because those laws prevented him from drinking true-to-style craft beer. After successfully leading the charge to modernize North Carolina's brewing laws, allowing beers with higher alcohol content, he used those connections and passion to start a "plow to pint" brewery that's heavy on locally foraged ingredients, supporting local businesses and economies, and making some damn good brew. Now, he's not just growing the number of beers they brew, but also their infiltration into the local market and beyond NC's borders.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Shane Cooper started DeFeet socks without much of a plan and grew it into what's arguably the largest, most popular cycling sock company. They now have international distribution, develop new designs every month and offer a massive custom sock program that works with some of the top athletes and teams. There's a lot of tech that goes into making a good pair of cycling socks, and a lot of features that make it unique from standard athletic socks, but the really interesting parts of his story deal with how he overcame disaster, used smart partnerships to gain awareness, and the strategies he used to become a global sock powerhouse.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
After working for Interbike for years, PressCamp founder Lance Camisasca jumped ship from the largest cycling tradeshow in North America to launch a smaller, more intimate event. PressCamp pairs brands and journalists in one-on-one meetings that not only allow better stories to be told, but also for relationships to be built that advance both party's interests. The concept proved so popular, ECRM purchased it but kept Lance and his team on to continue to run it and grow the concept to serve other industries.
We talk about how the PressCamp concept came about, how he wrangled the necessary interest from both sides of the table to encourage more brands and more journalists to show up, and the power of a good checklist and timeline. If you're thinking of launching an event or event management business, there are plenty of great lessons to be learned from our conversation.
For complete show notes, find this episode's companion blog post at TheBuildCycle.com.
Fresh out of college, Doug Hudson and a friend launched Chrome as a baggy mountain bike clothing brand. Nowadays, that brand's better known for their iconic messenger bags, which entered the line before Doug sold his share of the company and entered the corporate world. That didn't last long, though. His wife convinced him to stop talking about his idea for bike scales and just do it. Fast forward several years and Feedback Sports offers a complete range of bicycle repair and storage stands, a killer new line of tools and more.
We talk about how he funded the launch of Chrome when he was barely away from the University of Florida (and more interested in skiing, surfing and riding than working), what his work experience for others taught him about running a company, and how he's grown Feedback Sports through smart design and timely acquisitions of other brands and products.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
For our first ever Build Cycle podcast, I interview Marc Basiliere of Lindarets. Marc started in adventure project management before launching his own cycling review site, then started writing for me at Bikerumor.com and ultimately ended up contributing to Singletrack UK. During which he held down a full time job at the DOE, but all the while was paying careful attention to the ways people were hacking their mountain bikes to make them work better. Finally, he launched Lindarets to do something about it, using his design engineering background to create small components and fixes for common upgrades and hacks.
We talk about how his educational and work background laid the foundation for Lindarets, how and why he launched it, and the steps taken to go from idea to finished product out in the market (and on the trail). These business lessons are invaluable for any entrepreneur looking to startup a small product business, particularly if their strengths lie in concept and design and they're looking to outsource production.
For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast
Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.