Matt Roeder is an Iowa farm kid who’s employed as an Agricultural engineer for a plastics manufacturing company. A few years ago, after seeing a shortcoming on his corn planter (he still farms on the side), he designed a new and improved closing wheel. But this product design doesn’t belong to his employer, it’s his. Matt explains the inspiration for the product, how he brings it to market, and the delicate and mutually beneficial relationship he has with his employer — they build his designs and support his side hustle all while he retains his day job. We also discuss patent problems and assess the 5 entrepreneurial personalities. This is an excellent discussion for those looking to create or expand a side hustle.

142 - An Engineer With An Entrepreneurial Side-Hustle

I invented this podcast for you: the entrepreneur, business owner, solopreneur, self employed striver, or business person who wants to do it better.  By better I mean more profitably, more happily, and for as many years as you choose to do so.  That’s what doing business better is all about to me.  I quit my Fortune 500 job in 1994 to pursue a life and business by choice.  All these years later I’m still driven by my original “why” that made me resign from corporate America:  to be rewarded financially for my accomplishments and to be more creative (I was selling lighting fixtures, so to be “more creative” than that was a pretty low bar, admittedly!).   
In the episodes that follow you’ll find usable, practical ideas and insights you can apply to your own business.  We’ll have great discussions with people who actually know what they’re talking about because they’ve "been there and done that," as they say.   Thank you for joining me here.  I promise to deliver something of value and we won’t waste your time.  Because I know you have business to do and I’m here to help you do it better.

Welcome

Welcome! Here's What You Can Expect on the Do Business Better Podcast

What kind of business owner would tell you you don’t need a business plan and and to avoid perfection?  The kind of business owner who sold his company for lots of money and is now retired.  Geoff Cubitt joins me to discuss his philosophy on building a company, why you don’t screw over customers, and why you must always move boldly.  Geoff was an engineer and an employee, then a partner, then an owner.  He and his company - a digital agency - not only survived the Great Recession, they grew through it.  This episode won’t dispense the usual business school advice on achieving success.  And that’s just why you should listen to it!

01 - Be Bold and Adaptable - advice from a retired 50 year old

Bruce Turkel ran his own Advertising agency for over 30 years.  His clients include Bacardi Rum and the city of Miami - he knows branding.  Bruce also knows business and he knows where most businesses screw up.  That’s why I have him on the show — to show you how to not screw up your branding outreach. Turns out, most of us talk about our function, meaning: we tell the world what we do.  But in a world where function is the cost of entry, that’s old fashioned.  Bruce delivers some great advice and methods that’ll help you Do Business Better, including:  Understand your consumer, appeal to your consumer’s aspirations, and above all else- make your brand All About Them.

02 - Function vs. Brand with Bruce Turkel

Fitness By Design is a gleaming and modern Indianapolis-based personal training facility.  FBD is in it’s 30th year of business.  This is quite an accomplishment in an industry saturated with national chains, YMCA’s, and various other workout facilities.  Then there’s the various fitness fads from yoga to kickboxing to Crossfit, not to mention the reality of fitness: most people don’t even exercise!  So, how does an independent fitness business not only survive, but thrive for three decades? Co-owner, Lisa Hudson will tell you how.  The best part: you can apply her lessons to make YOUR business thrive too!

03 - 30 Years in Business with Fitness By Design

If you’ve read my book or seen my graphics on social media, you’re familiar with Angie. Angie is beginning her 13th year in business, and I’m proud to say I was one of her first clients. She started IBA Design with a laptop and a card table working from her rental house. Now she has five employees and a thriving enterprise. She shares with us how she transitioned from freelancer to business owner, the hard lessons learned from firing bad employees, and the realization that no one shares the commitment to your business that you do. Angie has a good story about growth, biz evolution, and how to keep the creativity flowing in your own business.

56 - Designing a Business Around a Flexible Lifestyle - with Angie Carel

This podcast is for you: the entrepreneur, business owner, solopreneur, self employed striver, or business person who wants to do it better. By better I mean more profitably, more happily, and for as many years as you choose. That’s what doing business better is about. I quit my Fortune 500 job in 1994 to pursue a life and business of my choice. All these years later I’m still driven by my original “why” that made me an entrepreneur: to be more creative and rewarded financially for my accomplishments.

142 - An Engineer With An Entrepreneurial Side-Hustle

Do Business Better Podcast

Related tracks