Startup Stories - Mixergy

By Andrew WarnerSociety & Culture Business Education

Startup Stories - Mixergy episodes

October 25, 2017 #1513 How Snappa founder is so organized he has time for brunch…brunch!
I’ve been told that I ask too many personal questions in my interviews. As much as I want to accommodate the audience and give them what they want, I’m never going to cut back on the personal questions.
Personal questions aren’t just prying, they lead to a better understanding of the business.
Well, today’s guest came over for Scotch Night and I noticed he was so freaking relaxed. If you’re in SF, in tech, you’re not typically such a calm person.
That led to some personal question I had for him. You’ll hear the answers in this interview.
Christopher Gimmer is a Co-Founder of Snappa which is the fastest way for marketers and entrepreneurs to create graphics.
Christopher Gimmer is a Co-Founder of Snappa which is the fastest way for marketers and entrepreneurs to create graphics.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
Pipedrive is a sales management tool for small teams with big ambitions. It visualizes one’s sales pipeline and helps to make sure important activities and conversations won’t get dropped. Salespeople really like it because it’s easy to use and intuitive. Managers like it because they don’t need to nag their team to use their CRM. It also sports built-in forecasting, integrations with other software such as Google Apps, MailChimp and Zapier and a powerful API.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 17 min
October 23, 2017 #1512 How do you explain a hard-to-explain business?
I pride myself on researching my guests—but I couldn’t research today’s guest enough. Every time I dug down to understand what he does I still felt I didn’t understand.
Apparently if you pay him enough, he and his team of geniuses can solve just about any problem.
Walter O’Brien is the founder of Scorpion Computer Services which provides consulting and product development to companies, government and military.
I invited him here to find out about his background and how he explains a business that does so many different things.
Walter O’Brien is the founder of Scorpion Computer Services which provides consulting and product development to companies, government and military worldwide.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
0 min
October 20, 2017 #1511 Born in Belarus, now building software in San Francisco
Today’s guest used to sell berries and now he sells software.
Mikita Mikado is the founder of Pandadoc, an all-in-one solution to automate your contracts, proposals, quotes and more.
I invited him here to talk about how he started and grew his business.
Mikita Mikado is the founder of Pandadoc, an all-in-one solution to automate your contracts, proposals, quotes and more.
Sponsored by
If you need anything designed–a new web page, a new landing page, a new logo, DesignCrowd will do it for you. They ask you what you’re looking for, who you are, what your company is like. They will give you lots of options, you pick the one you like, pay for it, and they guarantee results. It’s that simple. Find out how DesignCrowd is different than the other companies and go to designcrowd.com/mixergy.
HostGator is your one-stop shop for all things web hosting. From design and marketing services to easy-to-use website builders, they are with you every step of the way. Thanks to their 24/7 – 365 days a year live support – which you can get via chat, phone and email – any and all questions you have can be answered in no time at all.
HostGator offers unlimited disk space and bandwidth, an easy to use control panel, one click WordPress installs and more.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 1 min
October 18, 2017 #1510 How Bonus.ly is helping companies show recognition to employees
Today’s guest helps entrepreneurs like me stop being ungrateful.
Raphael Crawford-Marks is the cofounder of Bonusly, a platform for employee recognition via a peer-to-peer microbonuses and rewards.
I invited him here to talk about how I can improve in recognizing my team and how he built up this company from what he says was a “crappy” product.
Raphael Crawford-Marks is the cofounder of Bonusly, a platform for employee recognition via a peer-to-peer microbonuses and rewards.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
HostGator is your one-stop shop for all things web hosting. From design and marketing services to easy-to-use website builders, they are with you every step of the way. Thanks to their 24/7 – 365 days a year live support – which you can get via chat, phone and email – any and all questions you have can be answered in no time at all.
HostGator offers unlimited disk space and bandwidth, an easy to use control panel, one click WordPress installs and more.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 4 min
October 16, 2017 #1509 Why a Thiel Fellow is living in an RV on the side the road
Today’s guest is Ben Yu and he’s the founder of multiple companies. The one you’re probably most familiar with is Sprayable, a topical energy spray.
I want to know how he overcame depression and built a company I want to know why he’s living in an RV even though he has a successful company.
I’m going to ask about his divorce, what happened with his cofounder, and how he manages to live in San Francisco for $10,000 a year.
All that in this interview.
Ben Yu is the founder of Sprayable, a topical energy spray.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
Athletic Greens – Athletic Greens sees health and wellness as a long-term investment. They know that in order to perform at your best and live a fulfilling life, you need the right nutrition. That’s why Athletic Greens produces the most complete health supplement with 75 Ingredients covering 11 areas of health—everything you need to power through your day and achieve your goals.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 15 min
October 13, 2017 #1508 Chat bots: How to get clients
I’m so freaking obsessed with chat bots because I think it’s the future of online engagement. We’re spending more time in chat apps than we are in email and even social media.
The guest I have for you today was running a successful businesses but he too became so obsessed with chat bots it actually got him into debt. It just wasn’t working.
Well, it’s working now and he’s building bots for companies today. I invited him here to talk about how he gets clients, how he communicates a hard-to-explain idea like bots, and how he gets results for his clients.
Matthew Black is the founder of Black Ops, a boutique agency that provides a suite of services focused on conversational marketing.
Matthew Black is the founder of Black Ops, a boutique agency that provides a suite of services focused on conversational marketing.
Sponsored by
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
If you need anything designed–a new web page, a new landing page, a new logo, DesignCrowd will do it for you. They ask you what you’re looking for, who you are, what your company is like. They will give you lots of options, you pick the one you like, pay for it, and they guarantee results. It’s that simple. Find out how DesignCrowd is different than the other companies and go to designcrowd.com/mixergy.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 7 min
October 11, 2017 #1507 How Method created a product so good it changed people’s buying habits
Today I’ve got the cofounder of Method. I have been fascinated by how he’s created a soap that people love so much that they’re buying it and putting on their counters.
This is what I always wanted for my company–to create something that people freaking love.
Eric Ryan is the cofounder of Method, naturally-derived, biodegradable, non-toxic household cleaners, laundry supplies, personal care + soap. I want to find out why he decided to get into soap and how he changed our buying habits.
Eric Ryan is the cofounder of Method, naturally-derived, biodegradable, non-toxic household cleaners, laundry supplies, personal care + soap.
Sponsored by
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 3 min
October 09, 2017 #1506 Joe De Sena’s Spartan Race is soooooo much bigger than I thought
When I first heard I could have Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan Race as a guest I almost passed. I thought it was a small, novelty obstacle race, not a real business.
I may never have been more wrong in the history of Mixergy.
The Spartan business generates over $100 million per year. And the race is so much tougher than the 10k footraces that most people think are challenging.
You have to hear this interview.
Joe De Sena is the founder of Spartan Race, innovating obstacle course races on a global scale.
Sponsored by
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
Athletic Greens – Athletic Greens sees health and wellness as a long-term investment. They know that in order to perform at your best and live a fulfilling life, you need the right nutrition. That’s why Athletic Greens produces the most complete health supplement with 75 Ingredients covering 11 areas of health—everything you need to power through your day and achieve your goals.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
59 min
October 06, 2017 #1505 How Zumper founder created software to solve the pain of apartment hunting
The process of renting apartments hasn’t changed since Craigslist was introduced. And frankly, the process is a pain in the ass.
Well, today’s guest noticed that experience and wanted to improve it. He created a marketplace—which is tough—and he has to deal with landlords who aren’t eager to try new software, but found a way to do it.
I invited him here to find out how he did it. Anthemos Georgiades is the cofounder of Zumper, a house and apartment rental platform.
Anthemos Georgiades is the cofounder of Zumper, a house and apartment rental platform.
Sponsored by
If you need anything designed–a new web page, a new landing page, a new logo, DesignCrowd will do it for you. They ask you what you’re looking for, who you are, what your company is like. They will give you lots of options, you pick the one you like, pay for it, and they guarantee results. It’s that simple. Find out how DesignCrowd is different than the other companies and go to designcrowd.com/mixergy.
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
1 hr 1 min
October 04, 2017 #1504 Litecoin’s Founder: How He Created The Hit Cryptocurrency
One of my listeners emailed me and said, “Andrew, you’re completely ignoring cryptocurrency.” I said, “Yeah, I guess I am. I don’t fully understand it and I also don’t want to be part of the hype cycle.” And he said, “No, Andrew, it’s more than hype.”
Well, today I have the creator of Litecoin, Charlie Lee. Litecoin is one of those cryptocurrencies that because of the way it started became a major currency. Charlie left his previous job to focus on the Litecoin Foundation that he created.
I invited him here to talk about Litecoin, how he created it, why he created it, and also cryptocurrencies in general.
Charlie Lee is the creator of Litecoin, a cryptocurrency that enables instant payments to anyone in the world and that can be efficiently mined with consumer-grade hardware.
Sponsored by
ActiveCampaign – Improve your marketing & sales processes by upgrading to an automated platform. Start sending follow-up that adapts to your customers’ behavior so you are sending the perfect message at the perfect time. You’ll have happier customers and higher conversions. See why over 150,000 marketers use ActiveCampaign to create intelligent marketing that gets better results.
If you’re with one of their confusing competitors and you want something new, you owe it to your business to check out ActiveCampaign.
Toptal – If you’re having trouble finding developers, Toptal is a network of elite pre-vetted software developers. You tell Toptal what you’re looking for, they search their network for the best people, they test the candidates, and then they present you with only the candidates who meet your individual needs. Once you pick someone you can start work with them the next day. They offer a no-risk trial period. Go to Toptal.com. Get the best of the best right now.
More interviews -> https://mixergy.com/moreint
Rate this interview -> https://mixergy.com/rateint
59 min