Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(2:04) Origin Story
(5:07) How the Application Works
(6:41) Competition
(11:03) Developed for Shoppers
(20:38) Securing Intellectual Property and the Future of SwiftGo
(26:25) Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
(29:03) The Most Exciting Piece of Running SwiftGo
(31:06) Raise Venture Capital or Fund Organically?
(33:37) Landing the Plane - Advice to Younger Self
(38:32) Connecting with SwiftGo
Links:
Quotes:
“As they say…simple is tough, right? When you think about it, it's tough to build something that is simple, and it took us a while.” - Jigesh Vora, (5:22)
“The exciting part [of running SwiftGo] is being able to pivot quickly and build things and be creative. And then in the future, see those happen. I think that that's the most exciting part. So yeah, it can be tiring at times. It can be stressful at times, but it never gets frustrating is how I put it…Our decision is our own…If we don't believe in it, we change and we do something we believe in.” - Jigesh Vora, (29:47)
“The one thing I would definitely pass on [to my younger self] is, don't be stressed…when you believe in something, be okay with standing your ground…be okay with taking the shot and yeah, it might not work out, it might work out, but it's your shot and go with what you feel like.” - Jigesh Vora, (34:19)
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!
On this special edition episode of the Startup Junkies podcast, host Jeff Amerine was joined first by Erin Campbell, Chief Marketing Officer and CoFounder of Gen Z, and her colleague, Bo Mo. Gen Z is using multiple strategies to transform the bottled water market. Next, Jeff talks with Calvin Smith, serial entrepreneur, businessman, and chairman of the Startup Junkie Foundation who learned from his mistakes and used those lessons to grow as an entrepreneur. Finally, Jeff chats with Ronnie Brewer, former Arkansas Razorback and NBA basketball player turned recruiting coordinator, about what it takes to be successful.
Throughout the episode, Jeff Amerine and these guests discuss what it takes to make it in the startup world, including disrupting the market, learning from your mistakes, and tapping into your full potential as an individual and a corporation.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:46) All about Gen Z
(1:17) The Genesis behind Gen Z
(4:01) Reception from Buyers
(4:45) What’s Next for Gen Z?
(8:09) Background on Calvin Smith
(12:54) A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship: Little Failures Lead to Greater Success
(16:12) What We Need from the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
(19:11) Advice to Younger Self
(20:51) Ronnie Brewer, Hero of Basketball
(21:10) Thoughts on the Startup Crawl
(22:57) Excellence in Athletics Translates to Entrepreneurship
(25:11) Accept Nothing Less than the Best
Links:
Quotes:
“...I think in this culture of fast fashion, fast this, fast that, we can slow down and enjoy things and enjoy the smile that these bottles bring. And it's so unique because not a lot of products these days really are doing that.” - Bo Mo, (6:04)
“...What we need is the next generation of people coming up…to give back selflessly, without expecting anything in return and saying, ‘Hey, if I give back to this community, we're all better for it. I’m better for it.’” - Calvin Smith, (17:42)
“...The constraints that you have on yourself [are]…only in your mind. If you let that go, anything is possible and you can achieve anything. And we’re a prime example with the Razorbacks. But again, we're just scratching the surface. And that's motivation to people in the entrepreneurial world, and you can do anything, but don’t just settle for scratching the surface - keep on grinding, keep on getting better.” - Ronnie Brewer, (26:05)
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Caleb Talley and Davis McEntire were joined by Donna Griffit, a professional storyteller and pitch strategist with a special place in her heart for startups. Donna has had to adapt and adjust many times in her career, whether it was shifting jobs or recessions and pandemics, and she’s picked up immeasurable wisdom for entrepreneurs along the way. Let’s learn about it all!
Thanks for tuning in
(1:11) Introducing Donna Griffit
(7:19) Comparing Startup to Corporate
(11:45) The Story-Building Process
(14:26) The Secret Weapon
(15:46) 3 Trends to Look for with Venture Capitalism
(17:46) Common Pitch Deck Mistakes
(21:20) Differences in Venture Capitalism after Covid
(24:46) How Can Startup Scenes in the Heartland Get Investment Dollars off the Sidelines?
(29:46) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Thoughts
Summary:
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Matthew Ward were joined by Kirsten Blowers, a serial entrepreneur and owner of Riff Raff and City Supply. Kirsten’s entrepreneurial spirit was planted by her parents, sparked by the great recession, and fueled by a love to tackle and adapt to any obstacle in her way. Want to know what it looks like to pivot before it was cool?
Check out this episode!
Shownotes:
(1:01) Introducing Kirsten Blowers
(1:23) Riff Raff during the Recession
(7:17) The Spark of a Serial Entrepreneur
(9:05) Oh S**t Moment in 2020
(17:02) The Evolution of Riff Raff
(20:24) Staying Current and Going beyond Statistics
(26:48) What’s Winning and What Comes Next?
(30:03) Success Does Not Have to Be about Growth
(32:10) The Process of Handing Off a Company
(36:14) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“My parents are both entrepreneurs. My mom is a childcare provider; my dad's a food consultant. They've always instilled resiliency and pivoting just as a way of life.” (2:28) - Kirsten Blowers
“I think a lot of people get stuck in the idea that they have to stick to their original process. If it shifts, it shifts. Everything shifts.” (19:25) - Kirsten Blowers
“If I don't want to do something, there's no expectation. I'm the only person that has to live up to that expectation.” (26:12) - Kirsten Blowers
“More money, more problems, you know? If this [present success] is healthy and good, if we're excited every day, if everyone's getting paid what they should be paid, and if we're still able to move forward with trends, then why are we trying to [change]?” (27:21) - Kirsten Blowers
Episode Sponsored by:
AEDC - https://www.arkansasedc.com/
Summary:
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Grace Gill were joined by Amanda Earhart, CEO and Founder of PushKin. Amanda is on the quest to build a healthy community where businesses can communicate and reach their potential. This tool is shaking up the way companies have meetings, celebrate employees, and set culture and vision. Be sure to listen to the podcast and even hear all about why you might want to be a doomsday prepper.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:58) Introducing PushKin
(3:39) The Backstory of Amanda Earhart
(4:56) Working with Cartwheel
(9:34) Web 2.0, Meta, and Entropy
(11:44) The Future of Ownership in B2B SAS Software
(13:26) A Passion for People to Grow
(17:02) PushKin Industry Domination
(22:48) Fighting Frontline Worker Fatigue
(24:22) The Impact of Mentorship
(27:22) Raising in Venture Scaling
(33:15) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“[Who can support a startup?] You look to accelerators, you look to startup studios, and you look for a mentorship group.” (5:23) - Amanda Earhart
“Communication, when you get down to the brass tacks of it improves so many business outcomes.” (15:05) - Amanda Earhart
“One of the things [my mentor] was always really passionate about for me personally is to get out of my comfort zone. When she saw me comfortable, she would challenge me.” (25:41) - Amanda Earhart
https://www.startupjunkie.org/
Episode Sponsors:
AEDC - https://www.arkansasedc.com/
Teemyco - https://www.teemyco.com/
Summary:
Welcome to the Startup Junkies podcast!
This week’s show hosts include Jeff Amerine, Davis McEntire, and Grace Gill. They had the opportunity to speak with Blair Singer on all things leadership and sales for this episode. Blair is an international speaker, bestselling author, trainer, advisor, and business consultant. Get out your pen and paper, you will not want to miss this!
Listen to the full episode now!
Shownotes:
(1:09) Introducing Blair Singer
(6:20) From Sales to Trainer
(8:49) Selling You to Yourself
(11:27) Building a Winning Culture
(18:53) Teach Them How to Teach
(20:45) What’s Next for Blair Singer?
(24:52) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“This is the issue of entrepreneurship: It's not so much the customer that’s the battle. The toughest sell of all is you selling you to yourself.” (3:01) – Blair Singer
“I see people with great ideas, but they never see the light of day. They're very technically competent, but they can't sell the idea.” ( 7:29) – Blair Singer
“That's the dream for me. It's to blanket this planet with the best teachers, leaders, and facilitators in the world.” (20:00) – Blair Singer
Sponsored by:
Summary:
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Matthew Ward sat down with Coleman Davis of Explore Eden to discuss how this startup is changing the way we experience the outdoors! NWA is known for its trails, rivers, and campgrounds, but with that comes some unknown barriers. Explore Eden seeks to provide the joy and adventure of the outdoors with the safety, ease, and privacy that many people hunger for. Whether you have never camped or go every weekend, Explore Eden seeks to get you off the couch and outside. Hear all about it in this episode!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(1:01) Introducing Coleman Davis of Explore Eden
(3:39) Building a Two-sided Market
(4:56) Acquiring Private Property, Good Ratings, and Warm Weather
(9:47) Three Types of Stays for Three Types of Campers
(10:30) The Nitty Gritty of Explore Eden
(14:11) Expanding Your Marketplace
(19:18) Origin Story of Coleman Davis & Explore Eden
(20:40) You Can’t Control the Weather!
(25:26) Transition from Bootstrapping to Outside Capital
(26:40) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“We solve the problem of uncertainty, and we get a lot of people out camping that normally wouldn't go.” (2:01) - Coleman Davis
“If you own land, and have for years, it brings you to $0 in return until you sell it—unless you're growing crops or have cattle. We tell landowners, ‘Hey, we can solve a problem.’” (4:20) - Coleman Davis
“How can we provide value to the camper? What's going to help the camper?” (14:58) - Coleman Davis
Summary:
Welcome to the Startup Junkies podcast!
Hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Grace Gill were joined by Denise Thomas for this episode on the power of food, fellowship, and fun! Denise is the CEO of The World Trade Center of Arkansas, as well as a respected business strategist both in our state and across the globe. We had a blast getting to pick her brain on this episode!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(1:02) Introducing Denise Thomas of the World Trade Center of Arkansas
(4:42) Overseeing International Trade
(6:47) Evolution of Client Services
(9:29) Pandemic's Impact on Global Trade
(15:01) Building a Resilient Company
(16:51) The Status Quo and the New Normal
(19:18) Doing Business Internationally
(24:11) Next for WTC
(28:41) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
"When a client comes to Arkansas, those are considered export dollars, just like a consulting company. They may physically go somewhere else to do the work, but the income that they make are export dollars." (2:39) – Denise Thomas
"I always give my services to whoever needs help with something. I'm very supportive of others and what they want to do with their lives and their goals." (4:33) – Denise Thomas
"We understand what your market is…and really identify the right market for your product." (20:31) – Denise Thomas
Summary:
Welcome to the Startup Junkies Podcast!
Rahul Chauhan joined the Startup Junkie crew for this episode of the podcast! Chauhan is the Group Managing Director of Foresight Digital as well as an NFP Board Member and RMIT Career Mentor. He came on to discuss how Foresight Digital cultivated a remote work environment that has created a better experience for clients and employees!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:58) Introducing Rahul Chauhan
(3:58) WFH, Pivoting and Hiring Internationally
(11:02) Worldwide Talent Search
(14:56) Creating Healthy Communication Systems
(21:04) A Talent Retaining Culture
(27:07) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Special Host: Grace
Quotes:
"Transparency is a huge part of our culture." (5:30) – Rahul Chauhan
"The ability to deliver something, manage outcomes, and have your own emotional regulation typically comes with time and seniority." (12:07) – Rahul Chauhan
Summary:
Welcome to a brand new episode!
The Startup Junkies welcomed Kenny Kinley on our 282nd episode! Kinley is the CEO of Edafio Technology Partners and has proven leadership experience in broad roles such as IT, sales, marketing, account management, and more. It was a pleasure to discuss all things tech with him on this episode!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(1:12) Introducing Kenny Kinley
(3:48) Edafio Technology Partners
(9:22) Angel Investing
(12:43) Figure Out What's Important
(16:47) Anywhere Recruitment
(20:48) The War on Talent and Remote Work Benefits
(26:00) Global Privacy Regulations
(29:21) Future of Tech with Edafio
(32:37) Advice to Younger Self and Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
"To start a business, not only do you need an entrepreneurial spirit, but you need the programs from the state and also investors." (10:00) - Kenny Kinley
"Finding that cultural fit, where it's people you're going to enjoy working with and there's good alignment and objectives is really important." (12:32) - Jeff Amerine
"If you try to hire too fast, then you hire the wrong people, and instead of hiring 35, you end up hiring 45." (16:16) - Kenny Kinley
"You still need to meet people and have relationships, but instead of four or five face-to-face meetings, there may be one or two, but then the rest of it, you can do virtually." (23:35) - Kenny Kinley
"I would go back and tell myself, don't worry so much about what other people think. It is just a vicious cycle… Through mentorships, relationships, and reading you try to soak up all the information and make the best decision you can and just move forward." (33:10) - Kenny Kinley
https://www.startupjunkie.org/
Summary:
Welcome back to the Startup Junkies Podcast!
This episode spills the tea on all things business growth, as we had the opportunity to speak with Tim Redmond. Redmond is the founder of Redmond Leadership Institute, President of Redmond Growth, and a consultant focused on helping owners build businesses that serve them and fulfill their purpose.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(1:02) Introducing Tim Redmond of Redmond Leadership Institute
(4:43) Problem Solving with Business Owners
(6:14) Redmond's Diagnostic Process
(8:14) The Ideal Customer
(13:12) From a Large Company to Consulting
(16:15) How to Hire
(23:04) Advice for Younger Self
(26:16) Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
“I'm one of 11 kids, so I had to learn to collaborate or die.” (1:45) - Tim Redmond
“We've got some people that were struggling making $2,000 - $3,000 a month, and they're now making $30,000 - $50,000 a month in profits.” (11:31) - Tim Redmon
“65% of all the people in the country are not going to go to college to get a four-year degree. [There are] things like plumbing and electrical and construction [that] you can build fantastic businesses around that are very hard to outsource and are not going to be replaced by AI or automation anytime soon.” (19:54) - Jeff Amerine
“I would've probably had [my younger self] spend more money on lunches and bribing various successful people to hang out with [me] than I did towards trying to build my future through savings and investments.” (23:29) - Tim Remond
Summary:
A familiar face joined us this week with some great updates! Edwin Ortiz, founder of Rejoicy, stopped by to tell us all about the traction, vision, and future of this service. Rejoicy helps small businesses create websites and start selling in less than 10 minutes, which is a victory if we have ever heard one. Hear all about empowering merchants and being where your customers are in this episode.
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:53) Introducing Edwin Ortiz
(1:47) Serial Entrepreneurship Starting with Luncher
(3:42) Who Should Use Rejoicy?
(8:24) Shopping Local Internationally
(10:20) Let’s Talk About Techstars
(13:49) Farmer's Markets Are an Open Door
(16:00) Building Brand Awareness
(18:00) Pandemic Impact on Online Market
(20:23) Serial Entrepreneurship
(23:55) Five Year Plan
(35:26) Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
"That's probably our beachhead; bakers, makers, movers, and shakers." (5:57) - Edwin Ortiz
"We see a lot of opportunity for the international market, but in a very hyper-local way." (8:40) - Edwin Ortiz
"We want to empower all those local merchants." (16:13) - Edwin Ortiz
"It's okay to learn from other people. It's okay to talk about competitors. Don't be scared." (21:22) - Edwin Ortiz
"eCommerce on its own is not important. It is the fact that your customers are there that matters."
(31:19) - Edwin Ortiz
Summary:
The Startup Junkies were joined by an NWA legend on this 279th podcast episode! We are excited to introduce you to Steuart Walton, the co-founder of Runway Group. Not that only, but he is also the founder of Game Composites and serves on many boards, including Walmart, Crystal Bridges, and The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. To say he is a busy man would be an understatement, and we were thrilled to have him on the podcast with us!
Thanks for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:58) Introducing Steuart Walton
(4:56) What To Expect From a Post-Covid Arkansas
(7:09) Aspiring to be the Center of Excellence for Outdoor Recreation
(13:13) Arkansas, the Underdog
(21:29) The Future of Aviation and Aerospace in Arkansas
(32:56) The Long-term Horizon
(39:58) Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
"The real economic impact of COVID in my mind was the initial disruption."
(2:30) - Steuart Walton
"The state of Arkansas is one of the most underappreciated states in terms of natural beauty." (7:57) - Steuart Walton
"I think when folks underestimate you and then you have almost impossibly high expectations for yourself… Those two ingredients actually set you up to go a long way and to make a lot of progress in a really short [amount of] time." (17:34) - Steuart Walton
"If you have success, it's not going to be like, 'Oh my gosh, I was successful and all my problems went away!' Your problems are just gonna look a little different, but they're still going to be there and they are still going to be real. They're still going to drag you down if you don't address them." (38:31) - Steuart Walton
Summary:
Thanks for joining us for another Startup Junkie episode!
This week we welcome special guest Howard Tiersky of FROM, a Digital Transformation Agency, onto our podcast! We are also joined by co-hosts Caleb Talley and Davis Mcentire, who were both honored and excited to discuss the digital transformation age with Tiersky.
Tune in now!
Shownotes:
(1:00) Introducing Howard Tiersky of FROM
(4:56) The Evolution of Brands Needing an Online Presence
(7:30) The Process of Evaluating Your Digital Marketing
(10:44) Difference Between Art and Business
(12:04) Addressing Website Problems 101
(18:42) The Journey Into Public Speaking
(22:49) What Does Winning Look Like?
(26:56) From the Dot Com Days to Today
(31:28) Three Ways to Make Digital Customers LOVE Your Brand
(32:52) Advice to the Past Self
(34:56) Closing Remarks
Links:
Quotes:
"You think you've got a great website because it's pretty, but here's a video of people sitting down trying to use it, and they're trying to solve particular problems. They have a decision process they're going through and you are not meeting their needs."
(8:23) - Howard Tiersky
"Whether it's a website or an app or any kind of touch point with the customer, I think the first thing you want to ask is 'What's our definition of success?'"
(12:33) - Howard Tiersky
"The three things that make brands that are really loved is one, meeting customer's needs, two, occasionally doing something extra that delights the customer, and the third is to stand for something that the customer really cares about." (31:34) - Howard Tiersky
Summary:
Welcome to the Startup Junkies Podcast!
Episode 277 finds our hosts Jeff Amerine, Caleb Talley, and Davis McEntire sitting around the table with none other than Dean Matt Waller of the Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. We discuss topics around the growth and future of Northwest Arkansas, falling in love with entrepreneurship, and leaving a legacy of a life well lived. This is an inspiring episode and we are excited for you guys to get to hear it!
Thank you for tuning in!
Shownotes:
(0:50) Introducing Matt Waller
(1:45) A Brief History of Walton College of Business
(10:28) Outdoor Recreation Business
(13:03) Upcoming Masters Programs
(18:14) Building Healthy Young Business People
(24:03) From Entrepreneurship to Deanship
(33:23) Venture Capital Firm and Working through Chemo
(44:17) Advice to Waller’s Younger Self
(49:07) Wrap Up
Links:
Sam M. Walton College of Business
Quotes:
"That's one of the changes, when I first got here 27 years ago, people would come get a job and then leave. There weren't as many jobs in Arkansas. Now there's lots of jobs in Arkansas." (16:44) - Matt Waller
"We want students to come in and leave as E.P.I.C. business people: excellence, professionalism, innovation, collegiality." (18:49) - Matt Waller
"I love business. I don't feel like I'm working most of the time. My whole life I always don't feel like I'm working." (28:35) Matt Waller
I think there have been times in my life where I've tried to do things I'm not good at. And now that I know I'm comfortable enough now, Yeah, that's something I would not do good at. And so I'm not going to do it (45:55) - Matt Waller
"There's two problems people have. They let fear hold them back, I've done that a time or two, or two they let hubris hurt them."
(46:11) - Matt Waller