Moderate-growth businesses without funding is not a topic you hear buzz about in the news. Our current media is mostly focused around $1M+ investments and $1B+ exits. These are the subjects that are sensationalistic, exciting, and therefore capture attention. However, this is not a world where Brad Griffith or most entrepreneurs live. Moderate-growth businesses are sometimes referred to as a "lifestyle" business because they focus on providing income to support the owner's lifestyle rather than focusing on going public or becoming the next huge exit. What many don’t realize is that this approach can also be exciting and has many benefits. These businesses remain healthy while growing and at the same time can make a positive impact on their employees, communities, and industries. Moderate-growth businesses can provide incredible learning opportunities, a solid income, and unmatched flexibility for living life without being controlled by work. That's the story Brad Griffith will share with us about his company, Buckeye Interactive.
Brad started Buckeye Interactive during his last two months of employment at an Internet startup housed at TechColumbus (now Rev1 Ventures). Starting with contract work for a previous employer and teaming up on projects with a designer and an SEO firm in Indianapolis, Brad ramped up quickly over the first 4 months. For 3 years, the business grew revenue and employee count organically through referrals, and they operated debt-free with funding only from client revenue (the best kind of funding!!). With great support from his family, the City of New Albany, Rev1 Ventures, and other groups, Brad has found plenty of resources to maintain growth without selling equity, venture debt, or other diluting capital.
Whether you are considering starting a business or are currently fighting the good fight and need the support of a fellow business owner, come hear Brad’s story of a different way to grow a healthy business. Brad will share about the struggles of hiring for company cultural fit, challenging client relationships, and maintaining healthy credit to use when the going gets tough. He will discuss Angel and VC money and when it may be right for you.
Regardless of funding and company size, running a business has many challenges. We hope you make time to attend this valuable discussion. Bring your tough questions about bootstrapping, maintaining a focused vision through growth, and hiring successfully. Join us as we collaborate and share ideas and lessons learned with the goal of finding greater success together!
