Ideas Last Danielle Gillespie

Welcome to Ideas Last, the podcast about turning initial sparks into big results. On today’s episode, we have Sam Zimmerman. Sam is currently CEO and co-founder of Sagewell Financial. Sam founded Sagewell because he wanted his parents and the 57,999,996 other Americans like them to feel confident about their financial futures. Confident they are saving as much money as possible. Confident they are getting everything they have earned as seniors. Confident they are safe and protected from scammers who take advantage of folks their age. Confident they are going to be able to pass as much as possible to the next generation. 

Sagewell is an institute that specializes in banking for seniors. Sam shares his journey of how he came up with the idea and has built the company to where it is today. 



KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 


01:42 How Sam got interested in entrepreneurship and start-ups 
12:19 What Sagewell Financial is and how the idea came about 
19:16 Building out initial financial prototypes and productions from market research 
23:58 Testing a new product in the market
41:29 Where most founders typically go wrong 



GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Sam says, “Pay careful attention to who your primary customers base is. Your customers are the one that guide what products you build and will make your business model function. If you get feedback from the wrong customer segment, you will build the wrong products."



CONNECT WITH SAM 


Sagewell Financial - www.sagewellfinancial.com/ 
Twitter - twitter.com/Ferrum_of_omega 
Connect with Sam on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/sam-zimmerman-35152a22/



CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net
Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 



SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 



ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 



#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Jennifer Gomez is a tech founder and public speaker from Brooklyn, NY. Throughout her professional and entrepreneurial career, she’s helped innumerable brands and startups leverage data-led strategy and creative storytelling to launch products and build authentic relationships with their consumers. 

Today, she is Co-Founder & CMO of oneKIN Inc., a mission-driven, retail-tech company powering the future of e-commerce for small businesses. From their award-winning curated e-commerce marketplace for diverse retailers to our soon-to-launch livestream shopping app, oneKIN live, they are hyper-focused on providing small businesses tech-enabled solutions to increase their visibility and grow sustainably. 

In addition to scaling oneKIN, she is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs of color, women, small businesses, and tech professionals around the country via workshops, panels, and various on/off-air speaking engagements. 



KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE 


01:17 How oneKIN came about as a company 
12:42 How to get started on your entrepreneurial journey 
17:16 Consistently getting feedback from your customers 
20:54 Forming a partnership with MasterCard 
28:11 Where most founders typically go wrong 
35:40 What’s next on the horizon for Jennifer 



GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW 

Jennifer says, “Most entrepreneurs think that everything has to be perfect when you launch. The first iteration of your product is not going to be perfect. And that's part of the process. The journey of those future optimizations is what's beautiful."



CONNECT WITH JENNIFER 


oneKIN - www.onekin.co 
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gomez-72748224/ 



CONNECT WITH DANIELLE 


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/ 
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/ 
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net 
Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl 
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851 

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild. 



SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 


Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101 
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L 

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast! 



ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST 

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last. 

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5 

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Nathan Beckford helps startups with strategy, finance, BD, and venture/exit issues. Described as the “wingman to startup CEOs” and as “Biz Dev / CFO to go”, he specializes in pitching deals, raising capital, and getting sh*t done. Nathan is the CEO of Foundersuite, used by 2500+ startups worldwide to bring structure, speed, and efficiency to fundraising and investor relations.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE


01:14 The story behind Foundersuite
04:32 The power of financial models for your startup
09:05 Common mistakes entrepreneurs make when raising money
14:43 Tips for making a good pitch deck
19:28 You have to be full-time in fundraising
27:33 The Foundersuite Framework
35:24 Advice for new entrepreneurs that are starting out

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Nathan says, “One of the mistakes I see founders make is that they don't prioritize fundraising. Fundraising is painful. It takes a lot of time and you face a lot of rejection. But if really want to see results, it takes  a full-time commitment of three months for most startups."

CONNECT WITH NATHAN


Foundersuite - foundersuite.com
Connect with Nathan on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/nathanbeckord

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net
Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST


Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

#IdeasLast #DanielleGillespie #StartUpCoach #BusinessConsultant #startupfounders

Gary Goldberger is President and Co-Founder at FableVision, an award winning multi-media development and publishing company specializing in educational interactives for children. He oversees the production of FableVision’s award-winning media products. Since the company's launch, Gary has held many positions, and he approaches each project with a multi-faceted perspective. Gary is an expert in designing and developing innovative games for learners of all ages, and is a frequent speaker nationally on the role of games in education. Gary’s unique blend of technical and creative leadership has been a key reason many FableVision projects have won awards.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE


01:23 Gary explains the activities undertaken by FableVision Studios
03:21  The starting point for FableVision Studios.
05:29  Making a big impact through small changes
06:51 How to approach learning in a new way
13:04  Partnerships are a key to success
23:07  Every failure is a lesson learned
28:54  Important nuggets of wisdom for new entrepreneurs
34:04 Personal and professional plans for Gary

GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Gary says, “Creators tend to fall in love with with their own ideas, however it is crucial as new entrepreneurs to let their guards  down and be willing to accept criticism and feedback."

CONNECT WITH GARY


FableVision - fablevision.com
Email Gary Goldberger - gary@fablevision.com
Connect with Gary on Twitter - @FableGary
Connect with Gary on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/gary-goldberger-947146

CONNECT WITH DANIELLE


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST


Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!

ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Alisha is the co-founder and CEO of Rainstick, a clean technology company committed to cutting residential water usage in half. Rainstick is a high-flow shower system of 3GPM that saves 80% water and 80% energy through point-of-use recirculation and real-time cleansing. Alisha holds an MSc in Climate Change and Development and a Bachelor in International Business, majoring in Sustainability. In 2020, she came first place in the Communitech's Fierce Founder's Competition and is also the recipient of the Caldwell Partner's Future CEO Award, Royals Roads Leadership Award, and the TD Sustainability Award. She has spent time working, studying and living in Kenya, China, The Netherlands, the United States and Canada, where she currently lives today.



KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE


02:20 Alisha explains the circumstances leading to start of RainStick Shower
07:14 Alisha explains about RainStick Shower
08:37 Entrepreneurs need to maintain a timeframe for their progress in their entrepreneurial journey.
10:01 Facing the initial challenges are a part of startups
14:28 How to identify the market for your product
19:56 Feedbacks help shape the health of your startup
25:54 Plans ahead for RainStick Shower



GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Alisha says, “Startups can be slow and challenging, however it is important to believe in your startup, build the team and constantly reiterate and update the technology as needed."



CONNECT WITH ALISHA


RainStick Shower - www.rainstickshower.com
Email Alisha McFetridge - alisha@rainstickshower.com
Connect with Alisha on Instagram - Instagram.com/rainstick.shower
Connect with Alisha on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/rainstickshower



CONNECT WITH DANIELLE


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.



SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST


Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!



ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5

Steve Hoffman is the CEO of Founders Space, one of the world’s leading startup accelerators, with over 50 partners in 22 countries. Hoffman is also a venture investor, founder of three venture-backed and two bootstrapped startups, and author of several award-winning books. Hoffman went on to launch Founders Space, with the mission to educate and accelerate entrepreneurs. Founders Space has become one of the top startup accelerators in the world. Hoffman has trained hundreds of startup founders and corporate executives in the art of innovation and provided consulting to many of the world’s largest corporations. He currently resides in San Francisco but spends most of his time in the air, visiting startups, investors, and innovators all over the world.



KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE EPISODE


01:19 Steve explains his journey as an entrepreneur
06:11 Steve explains about Founders Space - a global startup and incubator
11:36 Customer response plays a big role in every startup
15:20 Entrepreneurs need to have an open approach towards their startup
20:55 When do you quit and try something new
27:19 Being an entrepreneur is a process of discovery and repeated failure
28:02 How to identify a dysfunctional team or leader
32:09 An idea can originate from anyone in the startup team
39.05 Why build a platform and not a product
46.16 Relentless optimism and positivity paves the way to success
49:52 Plans ahead for Founders Space



GOLDEN NUGGET FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Steve says, “The brilliant ideas don’t always have to come from the CEO of the company, rather it needs to be a shared collaboration of the entire team to ideate and drive change"



CONNECT WITH STEVE


Founders Space - https://www.foundersspace.com/contact/
Email Steve Hoffman - steven.s.hoffman@gmail.com
Connect with Steve on Twitter - @FoundersSpace
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn - https://LinkedIn.com/in/FoundersSpace/



CONNECT WITH DANIELLE


Danielle’s Website - https://www.daniellegillespie.net/
Connect with Danielle on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellegillespie/
Email Danielle - dg@daniellegillespie.net Medium: https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl
Send A Text: +1 (412) 207-3851

Connect with Danielle to learn more about how the Ideas Last methodology can help you turn your product into a successful business venture, regardless of product stage: paper napkin, beta, V1, or established product already released into the wild.



SUBSCRIBE TO THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST


Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ideas-last/id1579391101
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6Fj8K2kEIm8RWNfYzgZs4L

If you liked this episode, please don’t forget to tune in, subscribe, and share this podcast!



ABOUT THE IDEAS LAST PODCAST

It has long been said that ideas are everything, especially in the startup world. But what if having a laser focus on your idea can actually hold your business back? In the Ideas Last podcast, Danielle Gillespie interviews startup founders, whose success came from obsessively, focusing on execution instead of ideation. Each episode dissects what it actually takes to build a long-lasting profitable startup, rather than simply launching - by putting your idea, last.

Read more about the Ideas Last story - https://medium.com/@dgillespie_irl/ideas-last-a-new-way-to-startup-b94a585e35f5