The Build Cycle

I'll be honest. This conversation didn't exactly head in the direction I thought it would, but that's what makes it so darn fun to listen to. It might be my most entertaining episode yet, and in the end, it came out full of value, too. Dan Levine and Steven Pulver started Fireside Conference four years ago with the idea that they'd make a startup conference more like summer camp - informal, fun, and intimate. The kind of event where you make real connections and new friends, far beyond corporate networking. It caught on, and even though they lost a lot of money that first year, Dan and Steve decided to keep doing things the way they want, financial consequences be damned. And there's lessons in that. But they keep growing, and have found ways to run an insanely cool conference that attracts some incredible talent without having to pay anyone to attend, and that's led to other revenue opportunities. If you're thinking of creating a conference or any other event, this is a great episode that covers a wide range of things you'll absolutely need to consider before putting your plans in place!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

If you're looking to build a service business, especially one that utilizes an existing service infrastructure, this episode is for you. There are some industries - finance, insurance, and  telecom come to mind - that are so big and so regulated, that they just seem insurmountable. Yes, they could all be better. Much better, but where do you start? This week’s guest is Bill Alcorn, founder of BikeFlights.com. He tackled another giant, complicated segment - shipping - in order to make it easier and cheaper for cyclists to ship their bikes to events, races or just ahead of them for a long weekend with friends. And when I say cheaper, I mean a LOT cheaper. So, how did he build an incredible customer service and benefits layer on top of FedEx’s existing network while talking them into offering rates as low as half of standard ground shipping? That answer and so much more in this interview!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

If you're looking to build a service business, especially one that utilizes an existing service infrastructure, this episode is for you. There are some industries - finance, insurance, and  telecom come to mind - that are so big and so regulated, that they just seem insurmountable. Yes, they could all be better. Much better, but where do you start? This week’s guest is Bill Alcorn, founder of BikeFlights.com. He tackled another giant, complicated segment - shipping - in order to make it easier and cheaper for cyclists to ship their bikes to events, races or just ahead of them for a long weekend with friends. And when I say cheaper, I mean a LOT cheaper. So, how did he build an incredible customer service and benefits layer on top of FedEx’s existing network while talking them into offering rates as low as half of standard ground shipping? That answer and so much more in this interview!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

What if you start a non-profit out of a for-profit, then that non-profit starts its own for-profit to fund its non-profit operations? Sound confusing? It’s not, and it’s actually an incredibly smart way to help change the world without constantly relying on donations and hand outs to operate. FK Day co-founded SRAM, one of the world’s largest cycling component brands. Then, after 20 years, he stepped aside to launch World Bicycle Relief, taking all of the business lessons he learned from SRAM and applying them to grow rapidly and make a massive impact through bicycle donations. You may not be making the world a better place through cycling, but there are a ton of corollaries any entrepreneur can use to grow by empowering employees, building so you can scale, and going where your customers are. Listen in to hear how FK has built a massive global enterprise and his tips for doing the same with your own business!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

What if you start a non-profit out of a for-profit, then that non-profit starts its own for-profit to fund its non-profit operations? Sound confusing? It’s not, and it’s actually an incredibly smart way to help change the world without constantly relying on donations and hand outs to operate. FK Day co-founded SRAM, one of the world’s largest cycling component brands. Then, after 20 years, he stepped aside to launch World Bicycle Relief, taking all of the business lessons he learned from SRAM and applying them to grow rapidly and make a massive impact through bicycle donations. You may not be making the world a better place through cycling, but there are a ton of corollaries any entrepreneur can use to grow by empowering employees, building so you can scale, and going where your customers are. Listen in to hear how FK has built a massive global enterprise and his tips for doing the same with your own business!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Are you ready to CRUSH kickstarter? If you’re like me, you probably think of crowdfunding as a way to launch your product, using it to raise the money needed to fund the startup. Well, we might be all wrong. Peak Design did it differently, and they are killing it on Kickstarter, having raised more than $16 million across seven projects in as many years. So, what is founder Peter Dering’s secret? Getting the product ready to ship before launching the campaign, then use the campaign to build buzz and sales. Counterintuitive? Yes, and that’s only the beginning. We discuss his crazy early bird pricing concept that drives massive sales, plus margins, shipping, logistics, customer service, how to make a great video, and so much more. If you’re considering using Kickstarter, IndieGoGo or any other crowdfunding system to launch your product, you absolutely MUST listen to this episode. Please welcome, Peter Dering!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Overcast FM, or wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Are you ready to CRUSH kickstarter? If you’re like me, you probably think of crowdfunding as a way to launch your product, using it to raise the money needed to fund the startup. Well, we might be all wrong. Peak Design did it differently, and they are killing it on Kickstarter, having raised more than $16 million across seven projects in as many years. So, what is founder Peter Dering’s secret? Getting the product ready to ship before launching the campaign, then use the campaign to build buzz and sales. Counterintuitive? Yes, and that’s only the beginning. We discuss his crazy early bird pricing concept that drives massive sales, plus margins, shipping, logistics, customer service, how to make a great video, and so much more. If you’re considering using Kickstarter, IndieGoGo or any other crowdfunding system to launch your product, you absolutely MUST listen to this episode. Please welcome, Peter Dering!

For full show notes, links and images, check out this show's post at TheBuildCycle.com/Podcast

Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

If you’ve ever dreamt about turning your passion into your business, this episode is for you. Jax Mariash is the founder of Stoked Roasters, a small but growing coffee company that took a different approach to their branding. See, Jax is also an insanely good athlete, so she combined her love of the outdoors, travel and being stoked on life with a passion for coffee. Boom, Stoked Roasters was born and in just a few short years she’s grown it to almost a million dollars in annual revenue, opened two stores and so much more. All while training and competing at the very highest level…seriously, just wait until you hear what’s she’s doing. This episode is full of inspiration, but also practical tips on creating a unique brand, hiring the right kinds of people, and expanding your retail presence. And we geek out a bit on coffee, too. So fill your cup, kick back, and enjoy this conversation with Jax Mariash!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Quick favor: Can you hit that link to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review? Thanks!

Check out the show notes, links, images and more from this episode here:

http://tylerbenedict.com/2018/05/29/the-build-cycle-podcast-045-turn-your-passion-into-a-business-w-stoked-roasters-jax-mariash/

If you’ve ever dreamt about turning your passion into your business, this episode is for you. Jax Mariash is the founder of Stoked Roasters, a small but growing coffee company that took a different approach to their branding. See, Jax is also an insanely good athlete, so she combined her love of the outdoors, travel and being stoked on life with a passion for coffee. Boom, Stoked Roasters was born and in just a few short years she’s grown it to almost a million dollars in annual revenue, opened two stores and so much more. All while training and competing at the very highest level…seriously, just wait until you hear what’s she’s doing. This episode is full of inspiration, but also practical tips on creating a unique brand, hiring the right kinds of people, and expanding your retail presence. And we geek out a bit on coffee, too. So fill your cup, kick back, and enjoy this conversation with Jax Mariash!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Quick favor: Can you hit that link to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review? Thanks!

Check out the show notes, links, images and more from this episode here:

http://tylerbenedict.com/2018/05/29/the-build-cycle-podcast-045-turn-your-passion-into-a-business-w-stoked-roasters-jax-mariash/

If you’ve ever dreamt about turning your passion into your business, this episode is for you. Jax Mariash is the founder of Stoked Roasters, a small but growing coffee company that took a different approach to their branding. See, Jax is also an insanely good athlete, so she combined her love of the outdoors, travel and being stoked on life with a passion for coffee. Boom, Stoked Roasters was born and in just a few short years she’s grown it to almost a million dollars in annual revenue, opened two stores and so much more. All while training and competing at the very highest level…seriously, just wait until you hear what’s she’s doing. This episode is full of inspiration, but also practical tips on creating a unique brand, hiring the right kinds of people, and expanding your retail presence. And we geek out a bit on coffee, too. So fill your cup, kick back, and enjoy this conversation with Jax Mariash!

Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts/iTunes, Stitcher or Google Play and leave a review and rating! And let me know who you'd like to hear interviewed...just message me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Quick favor: Can you hit that link to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review? Thanks!

Check out the show notes, links, images and more from this episode here:

http://tylerbenedict.com/2018/05/29/the-build-cycle-podcast-045-turn-your-passion-into-a-business-w-stoked-roasters-jax-mariash/