The First Customer

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Adam Trachtman, Director and Owner of Lucid Circus. Adam's upbringing in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and his formative years at a creative and performing arts high school in Philadelphia laid the groundwork for his journey. With a blend of analytical precision inherited from his mother and a risk-taking spirit from his father, Adam embarked on a bold move to the Czech Republic at just 19 years old, driven by a desire to immerse himself in Europe's cultural tapestry. Upon landing in Prague, Adam's entrepreneurial instincts kicked in as he cofounded Lucid Circus with Ezra Cohen, their parallel paths converging from Philadelphia to Prague. Amid the dot-com bubble burst, they smartly combined their firms, blending design and development talents to overcome hurdles. This synergy enabled them to secure clients like AOL and MTV, setting the stage for Lucid Circus's ascent in the digital realm. Beyond the boardroom, Adam's creative vision finds expression in his graphic novel, "Immersion," a labor of love blending artistry with cutting-edge technology. Leveraging neural style transfer, Adam transforms his experiences into a visually captivating narrative, bridging languages and cultures. With "Immersion" gaining traction internationally, Adam's journey epitomizes the entrepreneurial spirit intertwined with a passion for innovation and storytelling.Step into the vibrant streets of Prague and Join us as we explore the intersection of art and technology with  Adam Trachtman on The First Customer!Guest Info:LucidCircus http://lucidcircus.comwww.adamtrachtman.comAdam Trachtman's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adam10/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Karim Kerachni, Co-founder of Steamates and head of franchise development for Massachusetts at PropertyGuys.com. Karim shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and unique approach to productivity while traveling the world. Born in Canada and raised in France, Karim's upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs and his diverse cultural background laid the foundation for his ventures. With a background in engineering and business, Karim embarked on a journey that led him from door-to-door sales to founding his first business, Steamates, a cleaning company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia.Karim's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business from scratch. From securing his first customer, realtor Neil Andrino, to expanding his client base through bold networking efforts, Karim's dedication and perseverance fueled Steamates' rapid growth. Reflecting on the journey, Karim emphasizes the importance of offering value, even if it means providing services for free initially, to establish credibility and build lasting relationships with clients.Join us as we dive into the story of Karim Kerachni who exemplifies the dedication and strategic vision required to succeed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in this captivating episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:Steamateshttps://steamates.ca/Karim Kerachni's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/karim-kerachni/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Whitney Stowell, Founder and CEO of Cribworks. Whitney discusses his entrepreneurial journey from a rural upbringing to navigating the fast-paced business world. Growing up on a farm instilled an entrepreneurial spirit in Whitney, who later transitioned into the professional realm by working in government and defense contracting. Whitney delves into his experience founding Cribworks and acquiring Old Glory, a professional rugby team, as its first customer, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved in educating the market about the sport.Through strategic market segmentation and targeted outreach, Whitney outlines the approach to growing Old Glory's fan base and sponsorship opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer landscape and setting realistic goals for business growth. Today, Cribworks functions as a sales growth agency, helping clients enhance their sales pipelines, account management, and strategic partnerships. Whitney's insights into business development and leveraging local networks offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the entrepreneurial voyage of Whitney Stowell, and learn the art of strategic sales growth!Guest Info:Cribworkshttps://www.cribworks.coWhitney Stowell's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-stowell/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Olivia Parkes, CEO of The Systems Boss.Olivia shares her story of moving from the UK to Chicago, driven by a desire to pursue her dreams and create a thriving enterprise in the United States. From her early aspirations to her eventual realization of starting her own company, Olivia's tale is one of determination, resilience, and unwavering dedication.Olivia provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs she encountered along the way. She discusses her experiences working with mentors, honing her sales skills, and ultimately discovering her passion for operations and systems management. Olivia's ability to identify and address gaps in business operations led her to establish The Systems Boss, where she now helps other entrepreneurs streamline their processes and achieve sustainable growth. Olivia shares her strategies for success and reflects on the importance of building strong foundations for business growth. She emphasizes the significance of understanding a client's needs, delivering exceptional value, and constantly innovating to stay ahead in a competitive market.Step into the realm of systems mastery with Olivia Parkes and discover how to optimize your business for growth in this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:The Systems Bosshttps://thesystemsboss.io/Olivia Parkes'  LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-parkes-b9b015187/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Rachel King, CEO and Founder of King Law Firm.Rachel offers insights into her journey as an entrepreneur and lawyer. Her upbringing, shaped by divorced parents and small business owners in the family, instilled in her a passion for law and entrepreneurship. Her father's profession as a lawyer and exposure to small business operations influenced her career choices significantly. Starting her law firm right after graduating and passing the bar, Rachel embarked on her entrepreneurial journey with limited resources but a determination to succeed. She initially focused on in-person networking, leveraging local chambers and community events to spread the word about her services. With perseverance and dedication, she secured her first clients and gradually expanded her practice into family law and litigation.Over the years, Rachel's marketing strategy evolved, incorporating various tactics such as blogging, organic SEO, and outsourcing social media and PR efforts to professional firms. She emphasized the importance of trying new approaches every year while continuously refining her targeting and messaging to align with her evolving client base. Rachel's journey underscores the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to explore different avenues in achieving entrepreneurial success.Prepare to be amazed as we discover the keys to legal success with Rachel King in this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:King Lawyer Firmthelawyerking.comRachel King's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/thelawyerking/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Mike Powrie, CEO and Founder of CloudWave. Mike delves into the genesis and evolution of CloudWave as a disruptive force in the contact center industry. Mike's background in IT, particularly in unified communication, laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial journey. CloudWave was born out of frustration with the antiquated and inefficient systems prevalent in contact centers. Recognizing the need for a better solution, Mike leveraged new-age technology, particularly from Amazon, to create a platform that revolutionizes customer service delivery.Mike emphasizes the importance of alliances, partnerships, and client testimonials. While digital marketing plays a significant role, the real power lies in customer references and success stories. CloudWave's focus on thought leadership, vertical expertise, and delivering tangible results positions them as a trusted partner in the industry. Mike's dedication to business development ensures that CloudWave continues to grow and innovate, driving positive change in the contact center landscape.Join us as we explore the digital frontier with Mike Powrie reshaping the contact center industry one innovation at a time in this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:CloudWavehttp://cloudwave.com.auMike Powrie's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-powrie-683198162/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Adrian Knight, CEO and Founder of Spectacular Group.Adrian delves into his journey as an acquisition entrepreneur and his unique approach to business. A World Champion participant in the Spartan games, Adrian shares his experiences and insights into building successful ventures. Adrian's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age when he started his first business at 13, demonstrating his early aptitude for entrepreneurship. Despite facing challenges and experiencing 12 failed startups, Adrian's determination and willingness to delegate eventually led to his success in acquiring and growing businesses.Adrian's journey into the world of acquisition entrepreneurship was driven by a desire for freedom and flexibility. He shares how he transitioned from a series of failed startups to successfully acquiring and scaling businesses. Through his experiences, Adrian emphasizes the importance of delegation and building a strong team, which he believes is crucial for business success. He also discusses his passion for coaching and mentoring other entrepreneurs, particularly in preparing businesses for successful exits.Join us in this refreshing episode of The First Customer and listen to Adrian's story as he highlights the power of resilience, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in the world of entrepreneurship!Guest Info:Spectacular Grouphttps://www.linkedin.com/company/spectaculargroup/Adrian Knight's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjknight/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Bob Moore, CEO and co-founder of Crossbeam, a leading company in the partnership intelligence space. Bob shares his journey, emphasizing his passion for solving the challenges of partnership growth, which led to the inception of Crossbeam. He delves into the essence of Crossbeam, portraying it as a data-centric solution that revolutionizes partnership dynamics by providing a secure platform for sharing valuable insights while maintaining data ownership and control. Bob's insights shed light on the concept of ecosystem-led growth, offering a comprehensive understanding of how companies can leverage partnerships to drive success. Bob introduces the concept of an "ELG readiness matrix," emphasizing the importance of assessing a company's scale and ecosystem dependency to tailor partnership approaches effectively. Drawing from personal experiences, including his early ventures in web design and the poker odds calculator business, Bob illustrates the role of luck and timing in entrepreneurial success. Don't forget to check out Bob's book, "Ecosystem Led Growth," for further insights into building successful partnerships in today's dynamic business landscape. Join us as we continue to explore the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation with thought leaders like Bob Moore on this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:Crossbeamhttps://www.crossbeam.com/Bob Moore's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjmoore/Amazon link to "Ecosystem-Led Growth" Bookhttps://www.amazon.com/Ecosystem-Led-Growth-Blueprint-Marketing-Partnerships/dp/1394226837Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview The Jasmin Alić, Founder of Hey Jay, and also a  LinkedIn aficionado.  Jasmin dives deep into his journey, starting with his childhood in war-torn Bosnia. Despite the adversity, Jasmin found solace in American hip-hop, which sparked his love for English and writing. Initially aspiring to be a rapper, Jasmin's career took a turn towards education, where he discovered his passion for writing and teaching. Transitioning from education to freelancing, Jasmin found success on platforms like Upwork, leveraging his writing skills to secure clients. However, it was a pivotal moment with a fortune 500 client that propelled Jasmin to establish Hey Jay. Recognizing his unique value in ideation and strategy, Jasmin rebranded himself from a freelancer to a business, positioning Hey Jay as a consultancy focusing on copywriting and messaging strategy.Reflecting on his journey, Jasmin emphasizes the importance of building relationships and sharing knowledge, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. He highlights the power of genuine connections, advising listeners to invest time in networking and supporting others. Through authentic engagement and consistent content creation, Jasmin believes in creating opportunities and building a resilient business that transcends any platform limitations.Let's unravel the stunning landscapes of Bosnia and get to know more of Jasmin Alić in this captivating episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:Hey Jayhttp://hey-jay.comJasmin Alic's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alicjasmin/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Luis Castaneda, co-founder and CTO of Capablanca.  Luis dives into his journey from growing up during the emergence of the internet to his current role in the tech space. Luis shares how his early experiences with DIY computing in a culture of innovation laid the foundation for his career in technology. He discusses the ever-evolving landscape of technology and identifies the parallels between past innovations like the internet and current trends like social media, highlighting the perpetual cycle of innovation and problem-solving in the tech world.Luis reflects on his transition from freelance sysadmin work to co-founding Capablanca.io. He explains how the company originated from a consulting engagement focused on DevOps for a payments startup, eventually evolving into a platform addressing complex compliance and security needs. Luis emphasizes the importance of customer collaboration and iterative development, stressing the value of quick feedback loops and the necessity of embracing imperfection in product iterations. Join us as we navigate the wild west of technology and uncover Luis Castaneda's insights into innovation and problem-solving on The First Customer podcast!Guest info:Capablancahttps://www.capablanca.io/Luis Castaneda's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-m-castaneda/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

In this episode, I was lucky enough to interview Kelley Thornton, CEO and Founder of Tiege Hanley.Kelley's inspiration for Tiege Hanley stems from his personal experience and observation of the skincare market's untapped potential in the United States. Initially, he sought to cater to older demographics like himself but found unexpected success among younger consumers due to strategic digital marketing efforts.Kelley reveals the meticulous process of formulating Tiege Hanley products, driven by a combination of fortuitous encounters with specialized chemists and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Despite his initial lack of expertise in the skincare industry, Kelley's bold approach of demanding exact formulations from manufacturers yielded exceptional results. Tiege Hanley's success story exemplifies the power of innovative marketing strategies, continuous refinement of product offerings, and a keen understanding of consumer demographics. With millions invested in digital marketing across various channels and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, Tiege Hanley has become a formidable player in the skincare industry, transcending traditional marketing paradigms to connect with consumers on a deeper level.As an exclusive offer for podcast listeners, Tiege Hanley extends a generous 30% discount on their purchase by heading over to tiege.com\firstcustomerpodcast Discover the power of dedication and quality in skincare innovation with Kelley Thornton in this episode of The First Customer!Guest Info:Tiege Hanleyhttps://www.tiege.com/Kelley Thornton's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleythornton-ceo-tiege-hanley/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/

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:Zoovuhttp://www.zoovu.comIn Her Shoes Podcasthttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/inhershoespodLamees  Butt's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lamees-butt-693447a7/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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 Labshttps://summitlabs.ioBrian Childress' LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-childress/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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:xtypehttp://www.xtype.ioRon Gidron's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rongidron/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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, LLChttp://tworiverspartners.comBarbara Spitzer's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/barbaraspitzer/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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/77AQXvpGuest Info:BOSS Capital Partners / BOSS Startup  Sciencehttp://bosscapitalpartners.comGregory Shepard's  LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gregshepard/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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.comhttp://www.DaiManuel.comDai Manuel's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/daimanuel/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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 Riskwww.innovativerisk.ioCaden Braly's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/caden-braly-699288154/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://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 evolveDiscover the power of adaptability and strategic thinking with Patric Shannon, as we delve into his entrepreneurial journey on The First Customer!Guest Info:LeadSnaphttp://www.leadsnap.comPatric Shannon's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/patric-shannon/Connect with Jay on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jayaigner/The First Customer Youtube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@thefirstcustomerpodcastThe First Customer podcast websitehttps://www.firstcustomerpodcast.comFollow The First Customer on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-customer-podcast/