The First Customer

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Lamees Butt, SVP of Zoovu.

Lamees delved into her journey from a humble upbringing in East London to her current role in the tech industry. Growing up in East London instilled in Lamees a hunger for success and a drive to think outside the box. Despite facing challenges, she pursued her passion for entrepreneurship, starting with a personal shopping business during her university days. This venture eventually led to the creation of "My Mannequin," an app aimed at revolutionizing the shopping experience by leveraging AI to curate personalized outfits for users.

However, despite initial success, Lamees encountered setbacks and ultimately experienced the failure of "My Mannequin." Undeterred, she persevered, taking on various roles, including working at Mercedes-Benz, where she honed her skills and navigated her way up the corporate ladder. Today, as the SVP of Global Partnerships at Zoovu, Lamees focuses on scaling the company through strategic partnerships, leveraging her diverse experiences to drive growth and innovation.

In her podcast, "In Her Shoes," Lamees aims to amplify the voices of women leaders in the tech industry, sharing their stories, challenges, and triumphs to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Through candid conversations, Lamees provides a blueprint for empowerment and encourages women to rise and thrive in male-dominated fields.

Experience the evolution of customer engagement and strategic partnerships with Lamees Butt in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Zoovu
http://www.zoovu.com

In Her Shoes Podcast
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inhershoespod

Lamees  Butt's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamees-butt-693447a7/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Brian Childress, Founder and Fractional CTO of Summit Labs.

Brian shares his journey from growing up in Virginia to founding Summit Labs, inspired by his grandfather's entrepreneurial spirit as a custom home builder. Despite lacking initial tech interest, Brian discovered his passion for software development in graduate school and founded Summit Labs to explore freelancing opportunities while maintaining a full-time job.

Over the years, Summit Labs evolved from creating websites for various clients to specializing in custom software development for established startups and small to medium-sized businesses. Brian's client acquisition strategy focuses on content marketing, leveraging LinkedIn to share valuable insights and target the pain points of his ideal clients. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and seeking mentorship, highlighting the impact of professional coaching on his journey. 

Let’s all tune in as Brian Childress continues to expand his network, share valuable content, and remain committed to delivering exceptional results for his clients, driving business success in this episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
Summit Labs
https://summitlabs.io

Brian Childress' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-childress/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Ron Gidron, the CEO and founder of xtype, a platform engineering solution for ServiceNow customers.

Ron shares insights from his background growing up on a farm in Israel to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech industry. Despite his humble beginnings, Ron's journey led him to work with companies like Mercury Interactive before venturing into entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the entrepreneurial spirit he developed from his farming roots, highlighting the similarities between farming and entrepreneurship.

Ron reflects on his past experiences, including a failed startup attempt, and shares valuable lessons learned, particularly emphasizing the importance of choosing the right partners and listening to advice, such as that from his wife. He discusses the evolution of X Type, from its inception to acquiring its first customers, which involved understanding real problems within the ServiceNow ecosystem and building relationships through conversations and trials. Ron underscores the significance of solving genuine problems and navigating the complexities of enterprise sales, emphasizing the need for patience and persistence.

Tune in to the latest episode of The First Customer Podcast to hear more about Ron's remarkable story which proves that entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds!

Guest Info:
xtype
http://www.xtype.io

Ron Gidron's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rongidron/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Barbara Spitzer, CEO and founder of Two Rivers Partners, LLC.

Barbara grew up as an army brat and moving frequently, Barbara developed resilience and anxiety, which later shaped her career as a consultant. Despite her anxiety, Barbara adopted a mantra of perseverance and preparation, which helped her excel in client meetings and presentations.

After a successful career at companies like Ernst & Young and Accenture, Barbara founded Two Rivers Partners in 2015. Inspired by a walk along the Hudson River in New York City, she named her consulting firm after the convergence of the Hudson and East Rivers, symbolizing the intersection of people and business for performance. Barbara's first client was the National Organization on Disability, where she helped build a professional services capability. Although she later returned to corporate roles, Barbara eventually relaunched Two Rivers with a focus on purpose-driven work, serving nonprofits and contributing to board governance. She credits her success to her leverage model, relationships, and willingness to take risks.

Join us as we journey through the hustle and heart of business with Barbara Spitzer on The First Customer podcast!


Guest Info:
Two Rivers Partners, LLC
http://tworiverspartners.com

Barbara Spitzer's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraspitzer/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode., I was lucky enough to interview Laura-Beth Trucks, the CEO of LB Trucks Coaching.

Laura-Beth shares her journey from Alabama to Colorado, where she worked in nonprofit leadership development, to eventually founding her coaching business. After completing her master's degree in clinical mental health, she realized her passion for coaching and decided to start LB Trucks Coaching. Despite unexpected challenges, such as piecing together multiple jobs to support herself through school, Laura-Beth's drive and commitment propelled her forward. She emphasizes the importance of serving clients well and building trust through relationships, which has been the cornerstone of her business growth.

In terms of marketing, Laura-Beth has found success in focusing on relationships and referrals. While she acknowledges the value of online content and social media, she prioritizes personal connections and networking. She attends business conferences and engages in face-to-face interactions, understanding that consistency is key to building a successful coaching business. Laura-Beth's client persona includes established small business owners who are great at what they do and either have a leadership team or solopreneurs looking to scale without hiring a team. She tailors her coaching approach to each client, prioritizing their unique needs and goals over a one-size-fits-all approach.

Transform your team dynamics and elevate your business with personalized coaching in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
 LB Trucks Coaching
 https://lbtruckscoaching.com/

Laura-Beth Trucks' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbtrucks/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Gregory Shepard,  CEO and co-founder of BOSS Startup Science.

Gregory shares his journey, highlighting his challenges growing up with autism, dyslexia, and other conditions in a tough environment. Despite adversities, he recalls his entrepreneurial spirit emerging early, from selling Rubik's cubes to catching and selling rattlesnakes for profit. Gregory's determination led him to overcome obstacles, from learning to code and starting internet businesses to eventually founding and exiting 12 companies.

Gregory's entrepreneurial journey evolved into a mission of empowering others through education and opportunity. He discusses his research project on why founders fail, leading to the creation of Startup Science, a platform offering free micro-learning courses for aspiring entrepreneurs. His passion for fostering opportunity equality drives initiatives like the Fulbright Entrepreneurship Initiative, aimed at supporting founders in environmental sustainability and inclusion.

Don't miss out on Gregory Shepard's eagerly awaited book, 'The Startup Lifecycle: The Definitive Guide to Building a Startup from Idea to Exit,' which is now available for pre-order! Get ready to dive into this essential resource!

Pre-order the book here:
https://a.co/d/77AQXvp

Guest Info:
BOSS Capital Partners / BOSS Startup  Science
http://bosscapitalpartners.com

Gregory Shepard's  LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregshepard/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview the fantastic Dai Manuel, Chief Transformation Officer at DaiManuel.com.

Dai discussed his upbringing in Ontario with two entrepreneurial parents and how their work ethic influenced him. He recounted his journey from personal training to selling fitness equipment, highlighting the transition to performance-based pay structures and his success in sales. Dai emphasized the importance of authenticity and consistency in his messaging, particularly on LinkedIn, where he engages with high-level professionals seeking holistic personal and professional growth.

Dai's target demographic comprises male professionals aged 35 to 55 who seek harmony between their work and personal lives. He aims to help them overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being by prioritizing mental health and offering holistic coaching and consulting services. Despite evolving his approach over the years, Dai remains committed to providing genuine support and fostering meaningful connections within his community.

Take a leap towards your best self with Dai Manuel, as we unlock the keys to lasting health, happiness, and fulfillment in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
DaiManuel.com
http://www.DaiManuel.com

Dai Manuel's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daimanuel/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Caden Braly, CEO and Founder of Innovative Risk.

Caden discusses his upbringing in Prosper, Texas, surrounded by a community of entrepreneurs, including his father and grandfather, who instilled a strong entrepreneurial spirit in him. Despite initially being hesitant about entering the insurance industry due to witnessing the stresses his father faced, Caden found a passion for it after exploring different opportunities and realizing the critical role insurance plays in protecting businesses. He founded Innovative Risk to act as a buyer's agent, ensuring companies receive honest and comprehensive coverage tailored to their needs, rather than simply opting for the cheapest policy.

Caden explains how Innovative Risk operates on a consulting fee model, prioritizing transparency and independence by not receiving compensation from insurance carriers or brokers. His marketing strategy focuses on education, aiming to debunk misconceptions about insurance and emphasize the importance of proper coverage. Caden is also deliberate about building his brand, recognizing its role in establishing credibility and trust within the industry. Through education and transparency, Caden aims to reshape the perception of insurance and empower businesses to make informed decisions to safeguard their futures.

Let's navigate the world of risk management with Caden Braly and discover the keys to securing business success in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
Innovative Risk
www.innovativerisk.io

Caden Braly's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-braly-699288154/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Patric Shannon, Founder of LeadSnap.

Patric delves into his origins in a small town in Dayton, Ohio, and his unexpected foray into professional poker and subsequent transition to entrepreneurship. Patric  shares about his early career as a tax accountant and his serendipitous discovery of online poker, which ultimately led him to pursue a career as a professional poker player. However, as the industry landscape evolved and personal values came into focus, Patric pivoted once again, this time into software engineering and later into the world of marketing.

Through his entrepreneurial journey, Patric reflects on the importance of following one's heart and remaining adaptable in the face of challenges and opportunities. He recounts the evolution of LeadSnap from a solution to his own marketing agency's needs to a full-fledged CRM platform with a focus on Google My Business optimization. Patric emphasizes the value of focusing on one thing and doing it exceptionally well, drawing inspiration from the "hedgehog concept" outlined in the book "Good to Great." As LeadSnap continues to evolve

Discover the power of adaptability and strategic thinking with Patric Shannon, as we delve into his entrepreneurial journey on The First Customer!


Guest Info:
LeadSnap
http://www.leadsnap.com

Patric Shannon's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patric-shannon/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Krish Ramineni, CEO and Co-founder of Fireflies.ai.

Krish dives into his entrepreneurial journey from Silicon Valley to founding one of the most innovative AI platforms. Krish shares how his upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs fueled his passion for technology and startups, leading him from UPenn to Microsoft and eventually to co-founding Fireflies.ai.

Krish recounts his early ventures, including building a campus event platform during college and his pivotal decision to forgo grad school for entrepreneurship. With Fireflies.ai, Krish and his team are revolutionizing productivity by unlocking knowledge buried within conversations. From seamless transcription and integration to upcoming mobile and multilingual features, Fireflies.ai continues to evolve, driven by Krish's unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and relentless pursuit of innovation.

Join us as we explore the future of AI and entrepreneurship with Krish Ramineni on The First Customer podcast!

Guest Info:
Fireflies.ai
https://fireflies.ai/

Krish Ramineni's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishramineni/

Connect with Jay on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/
The First Customer Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcast
The First Customer podcast website
https://www.firstcustomerpodcast.com
Follow The First Customer on LinkedIn
http://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/