In this episode of Scrappy Startups, Bill Ruh interviews John Wilson, a founding member of Arbor, who shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights on the importance of pivoting, customer focus, and the role of incubators in startup growth. John discusses the lessons learned from the Startup Leadership Program, the significance of storytelling in nonprofits, and the challenges of balancing technology and sales investment. He emphasizes the value of mentorship and community in the startup ecosystem, as well as the outdoor lifestyle in Montana.

• Startups must pivot, persist, or stop based on traction.
• Customer focus is essential for successful startups.
• Incubators provide valuable support and mentorship.
• The Mom Test helps founders understand customer needs.
• Building a great product requires understanding customer feedback.
• Nonprofits need effective storytelling to connect with donors.
• AI can enhance the reach of nonprofit storytelling.
• Networking with other founders is crucial for growth.
• Feedback from customers is vital for product development.
• Living in Montana offers a unique outdoor lifestyle.

In this conversation, Logan Burgess shares his journey from Alaska to Bozeman, where he pursued a career in finance before venturing into the craft chocolate business. He discusses the challenges of starting a chocolate company, including sourcing quality cacao, navigating legalities, and managing cash flow. Logan highlights the craft chocolate revolution, drawing parallels with the coffee industry, and emphasizes the importance of partnerships and community in building his brand. He also shares insights into the creative process behind his chocolate products and the significance of local collaborations.

• Logan Burgess transitioned from finance to craft chocolate.
• Starting a business involves navigating legal and financial challenges.
• Sourcing quality cacao is crucial for making great chocolate.
• The craft chocolate industry is experiencing a renaissance.
• Partnerships with local producers enhance product offerings.
• Community support is vital for small businesses.
• Creative flavors can differentiate craft chocolate in the market.
• A subscription model helped establish the chocolate business.
• Education about chocolate making is important for consumers.
• Building relationships with retailers fosters business growth.

In this episode of Scrappy Startups, Bill Ruh interviews Michelle Huie, founder of two startups, Vim and Vigor and ShopDot. Michelle shares her journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, discussing the challenges and lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of identifying problems, creating solutions, and adapting to market feedback. Michelle also highlights the unique value proposition of ShopDot, a platform designed to support small businesses, particularly in the pet industry. The conversation delves into the significance of building a support network, the power of partnerships, and the strategies for scaling a business. Michelle offers valuable insights and advice for aspiring founders, emphasizing the need for self-motivation and a strong mental mindset.

takeaways

• Michelle's journey from corporate to startup was unplanned.
• Identifying problems is crucial for creating successful solutions.
• ShopDot was born out of a need to support service-based businesses.
• Entrepreneurs must navigate the challenges of building a business.
• Having a support network is essential for founders.
• ShopDot's platform helps small businesses sell products effectively.
• Adapting to market feedback is key to product success.
• Scaling a business requires strategic partnerships.
• Founders should focus on bite-sized goals to avoid overwhelm.
• It's important to celebrate wins while pushing forward.