Melody Isis Herman is the Lead Organizer at 1 Million Cups Asheville, a company dedicated to educating, engaging and inspiring entrepreneurs over coffee at weekly startup networking and pitch events. 1 Million Cups was founded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to help entrepreneurs with big ideas and provide the resources and tools they need to bring it to life. Recently, the company was awarded the Resource Program of the Year Award at Venture Asheville's Venture 15 and Venture Asheville Honors event. In addition to her work at 1 Million Cups Asheville, Melody is the Founder and Benefits Shaman of Pop Benefits, a financial advisory firm specializing in business insurance, life insurance, and employee benefits. She is also part of the Asheville 40 under 40 class of 2016 and a speaker, counselor, and teacher helping entrepreneurs find excellence and success.

 

Samantha Winogrond is a financial advisor at JSK Financial, a company that provides services and advice for individuals and businesses. Samantha gained experience working with the 5th largest accounting firm in the country. Before moving to Asheville, North Carolina, Samantha lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she owned, operated, and successfully sold a sailing charter company. She has a Masters in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and is a member of the NCACPA and AICPA.

 

Melody joins me today to share how 1 Million Cups Asheville is helping entrepreneurs and business startups connect, learn, and build confidence through presentation events. She explains the value of presenting at an event and how experts, CEOs, past entrepreneurs, and investors make guest appearances to provide value, inspiration, and education. I also spoke with Samantha to get her perspective as a regular 1 Million Cups attendee, how attending the events have impacted her business, and what inspires her to continue attending the weekly events.

 

“More than anything, 1 Million Cups is about providing entrepreneurs with information in different ways.” - Melody Isis Herman

 

This week on the Supportedly Podcast:

 

• How networking events for small businesses and entrepreneurs paved the way for Melody to attend the 1 Million Cups Asheville weekly events for startups, and eventually run the event.
• The inspiration behind the creation of 1 Million Cups Asheville.
• How the 1 Million Cups weekly events helps entrepreneurs build confidence to pitch their ideas.
• How the networking events are structured, including startup presentations and audience Q&A.
• The valuable information and education entrepreneurs can expect by attending the 1 Million Cups weekly events.
• The company’s spin on “fireside chats” and how they help new entrepreneurs and startups gain insight from seasoned entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors, and previous 1 Million Cups presenters.
• How the quarterly open pitches provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and students to pitch their business ideas that may not fit the weekly pitch events criteria.
• How to get involved with 1 Million Cups Asheville’s weekly events.
• How to organize and start a 1 Million Cups event near you.
• Samantha’s financial background, operating her own sailing company and working with JSK Financial.
• The services that JSK Financial offer to businesses and individuals, including tax planning and preparation and investment management.
• How Samantha discovered 1 Million Cups and what new attendees can expect.
• What keeps Samantha coming back to the 1 Million Cups Asheville events each week.
• The advice that Samantha would give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out.
• Melody’s advice for new entrepreneurs.
• Mistakes Melody has made throughout her entrepreneurial career that became a blessing in disguise.

  

“The 1 Million Cups events are inspiring and motivational and a big part of Asheville. The atmosphere is welcoming, and there is a sense of empowerment among the entrepreneurs that are presenting.” - Samantha Winogrond

The 1 Million Cups Asheville startups presentation event:

 

• Apply to Present at 1 Million Cups

 

Connect with Melody Isis Herman:

 

• 1 Million Cups Asheville
• Pop Benefits
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram

 

Connect with Samantha Winogrond:

 

• JSK Financial
• LinkedIn

 

Subscribe, Rate, & Share

Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Supportedly podcast! If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest review. Don’t forget to visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and share your favorite episodes on social media!

The Supportedly Podcast is produced by Podcraft. You can create your own great podcast – faster and easier – at Podcraft.com