Freshmen Founders

You know those days when everything feels like it's falling into place? We were grateful to have one, especially in these continued wild times, so we went more off script than ever. This episode is all about what our pandemic pivot has been like for our company and we also reflect on previous pivots made. It's been unnerving to build a business during this time, but there have been lessons learned and experiences made that we wanted to share with you! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

The better the brand, the better the business...right? While a beautiful brand isn't the only thing that makes a business, it is a very important piece. A well thought out brand gives your customers confidence that you can do what you say you can, and our brand...was not cutting it. In this episode we discuss what exercises helped us prepare for the rebrand, the creative journey itself, and tips and tricks we learned from a top notch branding agency. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Our roles have changed a lot while building our company. Sometimes it was forced due to our business’s evolution, and at other times it was decided as we found a better path forward. We wanted to be open and honest about all of it. On this episode, we talk about becoming Co-CEOs together this year, and why we insist that our team members act as leaders alongside us as well. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Season 3 is here! We had to get creative and record this without our typical production resources due to the pandemic. It definitely makes this episode that much more candid on what we are all experiencing in the world today. In this episode, we talk about what it's like to have a pandemic hit your business from all sides (aka ours), how we have grown our business since last season, and how we are now repositioning for the future of events. You know what they say, when the going gets tough...add COVID-19! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

And that's a wrap, season 2! In this final episode we answered questions that were submitted throughout the season via founders@freshmenfounders.com. As always, please reach out if you have any further thoughts/questions or want to talk through pain points when growing a business. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

We have found that one of the most exciting yet difficult parts of growing a business is determining what kind of partnerships actually make sense for your company. And how do you know if they are strategic and will complement your company? This episode is part 1 of Partnerships with Gordon Droitcour and how he began to think through this process for his business, Cour Design.More on Cour Design: "Put simply, we are dreamers and creatives with the technical and logistical backgrounds to pull off the impossible. We design for the big and small. We work with management teams to scale emerging artists to the big time and with in house infrastructure to handle design for the largest tours out there. Concert creative direction, lighting design, content, and music videos." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

There is truly a method to the madness when it comes to executing sales goals and building a sales team. Not only are there metrics to base your goals off of, but also intrinsic motivators that are unique to each individual that's a part of your team. Chris Becker is an expert on these topics and we are excited for you to hear from him on this episode of Freshmen Founders. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Attention all creators: if you're wondering how to take the next steps in making your passion/creative outlet/hobby a full time business, this is the episode for you. Nathan Brown is an incredible artist that took all of his knowledge from previous career experiences and implemented these lessons into his full time business as a public artist. Nathan is commissioned and travels all over the world to share his mind opening murals and unique designs.To learn more about Nathan Brown, check out: www.19ss.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

In this episode we discuss all things digital strategy (and what that actually even means) and how to effectively market your business as a brand.Michael has an impressive background in digital strategy for all different types of businesses, especially in the music industry which we love. He started in project management, moved to interactive marketing, did a lot of cool stuff in between, and is now overseeing his own company, Streaming Promotions - a music placement and streaming company. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

This is the third episode on fundraising for your startup (part 1 and part 2 are in season 1). We dive into traditional capital options like utilizing a line of credit or a loan to grow your business, and why this might be more beneficial than initially working with investors.Brad Peterson is the Vice President of Music & Entertainment at Regions Bank and is a huge advocate for artists and entrepreneurs. Brad has changed the game for us in our business and we wanted you to hear directly from the source. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

This episode is short and sweet. We learned the hard way on a few finer business details that are need to know, so we wanted to share them with you. Some would say it's boring stuff, we agree, but at least try to make it semi fun. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

This episode of Freshmen Founders is all about expanding your business. Clint Smith, former co founder and CEO of Emma, joins us and shares how he and his team strategically took their company from start to acquisition.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Freshmen Founders hears from the VP of operations at Gun.io, Tyler Newkirk, on how Gun.io hires well for their clients and for their own business. There is so much that goes into hiring the best candidates for your team, and we learn about what to pay extra attention to in this episode.What's Gun.io?Gun.io began as a way to connect open source software developers with awesome gigs. Today, they support thousands of freelance engineers in their quest to provide immense value to teams. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Season 2 kicks off with Good Dye Young co founder, Brian O' Connor, as our special guest. We talk through building a timeless brand and how it should evolve with your company's growth. What's Good Dye Young? "Good Dye Young was created by Hayley Williams, lead singer of the Grammy Award winning band Paramore, and her longtime stylist and makeup artist, Brian O’Connor. The two became best friends through years of creative collaboration and developed GDY as a hair color brand with a vision to create a community around self-expression, color and happiness about being who you are. GDY is an extension of their shared passion to provide a brand that breaks down that wall of just being a company, and creating a community you can be a part of, empowered by tools that encourage your freedom of self-expression." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

In the final episode of season one on Freshmen Founders, Channing and Makenzie answer questions that listeners have sent in and asked in the past few weeks. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Half of a startup's initial success is based on meeting the right people and having a compelling story. In this episode, Channing and Makenzie talk through how they effectively built their network and grew awareness solely on press. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

When is the right time to get office space? Is it necessary for startups to have a dedicated space to work? Channing + Makenzie talk about their experience with getting an office, co working spaces, and working from home. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Entrepreneurs are often scared to admit they need to "pivot" in their business, but Channing and Makenzie believe it is a must! This episode is all about how to test and edit your business model effectively.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

Startups can die by never leaving the idea phase. We have to get out of our own head and showcase our business to customers, review the feedback, and then revise when needed. It's a never ending process that all starts with your Minimum Viable Product. In this episode, learn all about what to watch out for when building your MVP. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message

This episode continues the conversation on investment. Channing and Makenzie discuss angel investors, convertible notes, raising money in different parts of the country, and venture capital. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-blend-with-kenz--chan0/message