The First Customer

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Susan Coelius Keplinger, CEO of Force of Nature.

Susan shares insights from her journey as a marketing titan and entrepreneur. Growing up in St. Paul, Minnesota, Susan's path led her to chase the internet dream in San Francisco after college. She co-founded Triggit, an ad tech company, with her brother Zach, learning valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and the importance of setting boundaries between work and family. Despite the challenges, Triggit's success laid the foundation for Susan's deliberate approach in founding Force of Nature, initially envisioned as a lifestyle company but evolving into a thriving venture.

Susan's entrepreneurial spirit shines through her experiences, from starting non-profits in college to hustling at the Olympics. Her transition from Triggit to Force of Nature reflects a shift towards a more intentional and quantitative approach to marketing. At Force of Nature, Susan emphasizes the importance of quantitative marketing, where every marketing expenditure must yield measurable results. She advises aspiring marketers to embrace math and statistics, highlighting the critical role of data in today's marketing landscape. Whether advising young founders or guiding established businesses, Susan's passion for entrepreneurship and data-driven marketing shines through, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating the dynamic world of marketing.

Embark on an enlightening journey through the world of marketing and entrepreneurship with Susan Coelius Keplinger, gaining insights and inspiration from her remarkable experiences on this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
Force of Nature
http://forceofnatu.re


Susan Coelius Keplinger's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanck/

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 Oshri Cohen, founder of Red Corner.

Oshri delves into his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of his consulting practice as a fractional CTO. Oshri reflects on his upbringing, shaped by early experiences of independence and resilience due to facing racism. From launching his first business at 13 to establishing a custom development shop in his twenties, Oshri's path underscores his knack for problem-solving and innovation.

Oshri shares pivotal lessons learned, including the criticality of cash flow management and the value of guiding clients toward more effective solutions. Transitioning from hourly consulting to a retainer-based model, he emphasizes the importance of leveraging expertise while prioritizing quality and accessibility for clients. Oshri's candid insights into the dynamics of consulting, coupled with his proactive approach to marketing and plans for scaling his agency, offer a compelling narrative of entrepreneurship and strategic growth in the tech sector.

Let's traverse "La Métropole" and be inspired by Oshri Cohen's journey to entrepreneurship, resilience, and innovative consulting in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
Red Corner
https://www.redcorner.io

Oshri Cohen's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/oshricohen/

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 Steve Kilberg, CMO of SKRP Media LLC.

Steve dives into his journey as an entrepreneur and his role in helping businesses grow and sell their assets. Steve shares how his upbringing in Detroit, with a father encouraging independence, shaped his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite initially working for others, Steve's desire for autonomy led him to venture into his own businesses, starting with digital marketing and later transitioning to e-commerce.

Steve reflects on pivotal moments in his entrepreneurial journey, such as caring for his aging parents and navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey and continually learning from both successes and failures. Steve's current role as an M&A advisor allows him to leverage his experiences to help small digital businesses grow and prepare for sale, emphasizing the significance of cultivating deep relationships with customers and understanding the intricacies of their businesses. Through his insights, Steve encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize knowing their numbers and building infrastructure to maximize the value of their businesses when the time comes for an exit.

Let's head over to "The Sunshine State" and unravel Steve's entrepreneurial journey in this insightful episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
SKRP Media LLC
https://skrpmedia.com/

Steve Kilberg's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevekilberg-online-ma-mentor/

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 Fahvyon Jimenez, Founder and Principal of Jimenez Strategy & Analytics,

Fahvyon grew up with a father who was a business owner, and he got inspired by the idea that the best way to accomplish things is through entrepreneurship. Drawing from his experiences and skills in data science and ethnography, Jimenez Strategy & Analytics focuses on helping mission-driven organizations, particularly nonprofits, schools, and hospitals, address their most pressing challenges. By blending data-driven approaches with deep understanding of people and processes, Fahvyon's team tackles issues such as recruitment and retention in schools and medical institutions. The success of Fahvyon's consulting firm is rooted in word-of-mouth referrals and establishing a presence at relevant events and conferences, rather than heavy investment in personal branding through social media.

Fahvyon shares insights into the importance of understanding clients' needs deeply, building trust through real connections, and focusing on delivering tangible results rather than superficial online presence. His approach highlights the power of word-of-mouth referrals and personal networking in the consultancy business, emphasizing the value of expertise and reputation in driving business growth.

Get ready to feel motivated to drive change like Fahvyon Jimenez in this transformative episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
Jimenez Strategy & Analytics
https://jimenezstrategy.com/

Fahvyon Jimenez' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahvyon-jimenez-807b6788/

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 Scott Anderson, founder of Doubledare Executive Coaching, Consulting, and Search.

Scott shares his early entrepreneurial endeavors, from starting a shoeshine business at a young age to launching an advertising agency and eventually transitioning to executive coaching. Scott delves into the significance of location-based niches and the power of focusing on specific verticals within the business world. He emphasizes the importance of identifying a precise problem and target audience, drawing parallels between his experiences in the advertising industry and his current coaching practice.

Scott discusses his coaching philosophy, aptly named "CEO Freedom," sharing his passion for helping CEOs overcome the challenges of scaling their businesses without sacrificing their personal lives. Scott sheds light on the critical aspect of time management and strategic delegation, emphasizing the need for CEOs to focus on their genius zones—tasks that only they can excel at and that will have the most significant impact on breaking through business plateaus.

Tune in to another insightful episode of The First Customer where Scott Anderson provides a wealth of actionable advice and reflections on entrepreneurship, coaching, and achieving CEO freedom!


Guest Info:
Doubledare Executive Coaching, Consulting & Search
https://doubledareyou.us/

Scott Anderson's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottandersonms/

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 Sean Boyce, founder of Nxt Step Consulting.

Sean reflects on his roots in Philadelphia, the impact of his education and network on his entrepreneurial spirit, and the lessons learned from his early attempts at business. Sean talks about his first business, an endeavor aimed at solving issues in the recruiting industry, and the pivotal lessons he gained from its relative lack of success.

Sean shares insights into the common mistake of not focusing on product-market fit and emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the problem rather than leading with the solution. Sean also shares the evolution from unsuccessful ventures to the successful launch of Staff Geek, a B2B SaaS product addressing workforce-related challenges. He highlights the prevalence of these challenges among entrepreneurs and provides valuable advice on avoiding pitfalls.

In addition, Sean's current focus is on podcasting through his service, Podcast Chef, and his involvement in innovative projects to support and guide early-stage founders in bringing their products to market.

Join us in another exciting episode of The First Customer as Sean Boyce's entrepreneurial journey reveals insights and lessons to inspire your own success story!

Guest Info:
NxtStep Consulting
https://nxtstep.io

Podcast Chef
https://www.podcastchef.com/

Sean Boyce's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-boyce/

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 Edward DuCoin, founder and partner of Orpical.

Edward grew up in South Jersey and his early experiences with financial struggles and observing his family's challenges fueled his entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with a ski tours business at 13, he eventually founded a teleservices company that grew to over 1,500 employees. Orpical, initially a website design firm, evolved into a business consulting and software development agency that stays ahead of the curve, particularly in integrating artificial intelligence.

Edward emphasizes the importance of naivety in the early stages, having a great team for growth, and implementing procedures for scalability. Orpical's success stories include acquiring clients through unconventional methods like Craigslist and maintaining a client relationship for over a decade. Reflecting on lessons learned, Edward highlights the significance of cash flow management and the need for efficient processes to ensure business resilience and scalability.

Join us for an inspiring journey as Edward DuCoin shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the intersection of technology and business in this captivating podcast episode!

Guest Info:
Orpical
https://orpical.com/


Edward DuCoin's  LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardducoin/

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 Roy Vella, Managing Director and Founder of Vella Ventures Ltd. 

Roy delves into his upbringing in Brooklyn and its influence on his entrepreneurial journey. Roy reflects on his formative years, emphasizing the cultural impact of being from Brooklyn and the street-savvy and hustling mentality ingrained in him. Roy's family background highlights his father's transition from a math teacher to early involvement in computers and Roy's early entrepreneurial endeavors, such as a driveway ceiling business.

Roy discusses Vella Ventures as a holding company for Roy's diverse activities in the startup realm. Roy describes himself as a "startup junkie," engaging in roles such as mentor, advisor, board member, and angel investor. Roy also shares that he's working with Next Co Labs to help companies navigate and understand the transformative impact of AI and big data.

Join us and get to know more about the captivating exploration of Roy Vella's entrepreneurial journey in this episode of The First Customer!

Guest Info:
Vella Ventures Ltd.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vellaventures/
Roy Vella's  LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/royvella/

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 Marc Adler, the Fractional Chief Technology Officer of CTO as a Service.

Marc reveals his roots in Queens, New York, and his unique exposure to the world of stockbroking through his father's career, setting the stage for his journey into the tech industry. Marc reminisces about his early days in tech, starting as one of the first Windows developers on Wall Street in the late '80s. He shares anecdotes from his time at Goldman Sachs and the challenges he faced in selling a word processor he developed for Unix. This entrepreneurial spirit leads him to establish his own company, Magma Systems, which he successfully sells in the late '90s before returning to consulting.

Marc's role as Chief Architect at various organizations, where he emphasizes the importance of customer focus, quality assurance, and continuous integration in software development. He provides insights into his approach to maintaining high-quality standards and ensuring customer satisfaction, drawing from his experiences at Citigroup and MetLife. Marc delves into his latest venture, CTO as a Service. He shares the genesis of the idea, inspired by years of providing free advice to startups and entrepreneurs seeking technical guidance.

Let's head up 95 to New York and delve deeper into the experiences and expertise of Marc Adler, leaving us inspired by his journey in the tech world!

Guest Info:
CTO as a Service
https://www.ctoasaservice.org/

Marc Adler's LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-adler/

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 Cody Eddings, the CEO and co-founder of SnapRefund.

Cody shares his entrepreneurial journey, rooted in childhood experiences in St. Louis, Missouri, where he initiated small businesses like mowing lawns. Growing up, Cody explores tech background, from playing World of Warcraft to becoming a software engineer and co-founding SnapRefund. It delves into the company's mission to empower underserved communities with financial technology, emphasizing the extensive market research that led to identifying insurance claim payments as a significant pain point. SnapRefund's innovative approach combines flexible instant payment technology and analytics to streamline insurance claims.

Cody also shares the challenges and lessons he learned during the market research phase, underscoring the importance of understanding customer needs before developing a solution. Cody highlights the iterative nature of market research and the continuous learning required, emphasizing the value of adapting to customers' evolving needs.

Take a look at SnapRefund's future as Cody Eddings provides a glimpse into it in this insightful episode of The First Customer!


Guest Info:
SnapRefund
https://snaprefund.io

Cody Eddings' LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-eddings-4073b065/

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/