The Accidental Entrepreneurs

This week, Ira and Stacee talk about being sued or having to sue someone. Unfortunately, if you have a company, you are going to need a lawyer somewhere, somehow for something. 

Tip of the week:
Stacee: The podcast "How to be awesome at your job"
Ira: The book "Finding confidence in conflict- How to negotiate anything and live your best life" by Christian Kwame

Have you ever launched a marketing campaign that failed miserably? Trust us, we've been there. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, cringing at our biggest mistakes in marketing.

Here is a link to Stacee's embarrassing explainer video that is inappropriate on so many levels.

Our favorite things:
Ira: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Pat Lencioni
Stacee: Loom software

The question today is "What was your first office like?"

In talking about this we delve into the importance of enjoying the climb when you are an entrepreneur. Take it from us, the money is good but the journey there is better.

Our favorite tip, trick, or quote this week:
Ira: Slack
Stacee: Jotform

To hear the whole Jim Carrey speech, go here:
https://youtu.be/YAzTIOy0ID0
P.S. It's amazing!

This week, Ira tells us the story of his son being "scientist of the week" for his school and his quest to analyze the absorbency of paper towels —tackling variables, crunching numbers, and learning that the smallest details can make the biggest impact.

The question today is "Who were some of the most critical people in your journey?"

Ira and Stacee  will share the stories of Dan and Mihailo, and their undeniable influence on technology and leadership in sculpting a business's destiny. Dan's flair for customer experience and design that brought a new life to the product, inviting the end-user into the development loop. Mihailo, the engineer with a knack for the possible, who pushed boundaries between creation and execution.

Our favorite tips this week:
Ira: "Just do experiments" and the importance of getting clarity on what you are doing

Stacee: A book "Product Led Onboarding" by Ramli John that teaches you how to turn your customer into super Mario

On this episode of Accidental Entrepreneur, we talk about some of the worst advice we have heard people giving to founders, like avoid having a cofounder/partner if at all possible and never telling anyone your big idea.

Along the way, we share a short list of core qualities to think about when choosing your cofounders and the importance of shouting your idea from the rooftops.

Favorite tips, tools or quotes:
Ira: Having a CRM like Hubspot or Salesforce
Stacee: Using Keynote to sketch ideas

Awesome folks mentioned in today's episode:
Mauricio Dujowich
Steve Shaw
Martin Traub-Werner
Aaron Massecar
Hubspot
Salesforce
Karyn Ekola

When my morning run-in with a herd of audacious cows takes an unexpected turn, it sets the stage for a podcast episode that's as wild as the ranch life itself. Join me, Stacy Santee, and my laugh-loving co-host Ira Gordon, as we swap tales of our offbeat paths into the world of startups—in a discussion where the punchlines are as plentiful as the insights. From the story of Vet Prep's birth, buoyed by a modest loan and a mentor's unwavering belief, to the trials of an 18-month development odyssey, we uncover the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of bringing a vision to life.

But the entrepreneurial rodeo doesn't stop there! Hear how my pivot from veterinarian to tech founder with Vet to Pet was fueled by sheer grit, and how a surprise investment from a former client, Marty Kagan, turbocharged our trajectory. We'll also reveal how my partner Eric's low-key start masked his major tech achievement, proving that the real power players often fly under the radar. So saddle up for a rollicking ride through startup success, sprinkled with laughter and learning, that just might leave you asking, "Why not me?" too.

Mauricio Dujowich
Jeff Zuba
Marty Cagan
Eric Chan
Larry Santi
Loadman
Ames Prentiss

When Stacee Santi traded her veterinarian scrubs for the innovative world of tech entrepreneurship, she didn't just create an app—she sparked a revolution in pet care communication. On our latest podcast, Stacee shares her inspiring journey from observing pet owners' struggles with heartworm prevention to developing Vet2Pet, a game-changing app that bridges the gap between veterinary services and technology. Her tale is a testament to how a single idea, fueled by passion and perseverance, can transform an entire industry.

Her journey is not just about overcoming adversity but a story of how relentless innovation can make every listener believe in the power of determination and the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Mentions:
Karyn Ekola
Mobile App Loader: Zvika (Dave) Ashkenazi
Zoetis rep: Tim Lara
Zoetis rep: John Barrier
Website developer: Duffy Brook
Martin Traub-Werner
VetPartners
App developer: DEVersity
Milan Boričić
Mihailo Jovković
Veterinary influencer: Eric Garcia
Vetsource
Dominos

Today, Ira shares with us his serendipitous shift from veterinary student to innovator, as we explore the origins of an online study platform that revolutionized veterinary education.

Scaling a startup isn't all about number crunching and serious business. Ira's journey is proof that taking bold steps with friends can lead to unexpected, prosperous ventures in the world of healthcare education.

Join us as we look back on the 17-year odyssey of Ira's enterprise, from its modest beginnings to a bittersweet sale in 2020. Ira leaves us with a nugget of inspiration for all aspiring entrepreneurs: find joy in your journey, because that's where true success takes root.

Names mentioned in this episode:
Cofounder: Mauricio Dujowich
Cofounder: Steve Shaw
Engineer: Eric Chan
First customer: Jose Rodriguez
Brother in-law: Donovan Keith
Brian Jensen
VetPrep

Ever wonder what it's like to leap into the entrepreneurial abyss and come out the other side, not only intact but thriving? That's the topic  Stacee Santi and Ira Gordon tackle in the Accidental Entrepreneur's debut. 

We're your unlikely business gurus, swapping tales from the trenches and doling out the kind of advice you'd wish you had when you were starting out. Together, we provide a rare glimpse into the real-world rollercoaster ride of launching and letting go of business ventures. Get ready for a show that will teach aspiring entrepreneurs everything you wish you knew and the unvarnished truth about what it takes to succeed.