The Accidental Entrepreneurs

In our season finale, we dig into some game-changing customer engagement strategies that fueled our startups. Ever thought about how an app or a clever email campaign could transform your business? Or imagine hosting a Willy Wonka-inspired event in Las Vegas complete with golden ticket candy bars and a lovable mascot named Mr. Meowgy. We share behind-the-scenes insights that can inspire your next...

In this episode, we reflect on Jerry Seinfeld's memorable commencement speech at Duke University. We delve into his three keys to life—bust your ass, pay attention, and fall in love—and discuss how these principles are essential for entrepreneurial success. We will also share a few stories about overcoming imposter syndrome, handling the pressures of starting a business, and even making the t...

As we approach the end of our season, we break down how we landed on the pricing strategy for our products. We also discuss the pros and cons of pricing against a competitor. We've got a TikTok to share by Luis Fernandes who shares some of his most loved and least favorite tequilas. Lastly, for our tip of the week, we both decided to share some valuable lessons we learned from our parents.

Have you ever wondered how to market effectively to a niche audience? In our conversation, we uncover grassroots marketing strategies tailored specifically for the veterinary medicine field.  We offer practical tips for enhancing engagement through traditional marketing tactics and providing educational support to make your product indispensable. Is trade show marketing still relevant in the digit...

This week, we dive into the labyrinth of startup organizational structures. Discover the sometimes arbitrary nature of assigning titles and roles within a small team, where everyone is juggling multiple hats.  Learn about a friend's innovative approach to structuring roles based on compensation, and weigh its pros and cons with us. Finally, we explore how rigid titles can limit contributions...

Ever wondered how to what the best way is to get feedback from your customers? Gathering useful user feedback for products in development is a critical step to building the right stuff. In this episode, we share creative strategies, such as involving children and parents for initial testing and how to set up an active engaged user group on social media. At the end of the day, the trick is to creat...

Meet Luke Burnett, the innovative mind behind KeraVet Bio, who stumbled upon a brilliant idea that’s transforming pet wound care. In our latest episode, Luke shares the  story of KeraVet Gel, a reformulated human medical product now eliminating the need for those pesky Elizabethan collars. Discover how this breakthrough is not only improving compliance but also strengthening the bond between human...

Being an entrepreneur isn't all rainbows and unicorns. Guest cohost Cindy Trice and Ira discuss some of the downsides to being the head honcho of a startup ranging from bearing the ultimate burden of all decisions to feelings of loneliness. Tips of the week: Cindy: " Humor Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life " by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas Ira: Dr. Ch...

Imagine being inspired to change your career path because of a chance encounter. That’s exactly what happened to Dr. Cindy Trice, a veterinarian who transformed her passion for relief work into a thriving business. In our latest episode, Cindy recounts her unconventional journey from a freelance production worker to founding Relief Rover, a platform designed to connect relief veterinarians and tec...

Ever thought about how leaders adapt as their startups morph into the real business world? Stacee and Ira pull back the curtain on their evolution from the early days of winging it with their teams, to mastering the art of delegation and trust in a growing company. We get real about the gnarly bits of meshing with larger corporate beasts post-acquisition and why having your ducks in a row with pro...

In our latest discussion,  we unpack the tango of competition and innovation in the business world. Ira and Stacee share their stories of discomfort of encountering their rivals and the subsequent appreciation for the diversity and drive it brings to the market. Ira's tip of the week: Disciplined Entrepreneurship: 24 Steps to a Successful Startup by Bill Aulet Stacee's tip of the week: R...

The episode takes a turn as we confront the reality of firing an employee—a challenge that tests the alignment of personal compassion with a company's core values. We discuss the broader impact these decisions have on the team and the delicate nature of delivering difficult news.

There comes a time in every successful entrepreneur's life when they just "know" (hopefully). It might be a key event, your inner voice or a gut feeling but some where along the journey, something happened that clued you in that you were really on to something. This week, Stacee and Ira share their special moment. Special mentions this week: Adam Little Elizabeth Green Ed Catmull Am...

Have you ever faced the daunting challenge of building a startup from the ground up? This episode is a goldmine of guidance, as Dr. Adam Little shares insights around foundational steps for budding entrepreneurs to thrive. Adam and Ira spend some time talking about de-risking the company, the problem with hiring too many people too early and why strategic partnerships are a huge waste of time for...

Glance behind the curtain with Dr. Adam Little as he chats with Ira about his startup journey including the highs of innovation and the lows of layoffs. Adam shares the hard knock lessons he learned with brutal honesty showing that integrity and compassion always win.  You won't want to miss this episode with one of the most brilliant innovators in veterinary medicine. Learn more about Adam o...

Stacee and our special guest cohost, Beth Green, spin the wheel today and talk about their business partners and the way they found them. Special mentions: Toni Passaretti John O'Brien Dr. Pat Tomlinson Karyn Gavzer Martin Traub-Werner

Discover the inspiring journey of Beth Green , CEO of Vetmedux. She takes us through her remarkable transition from veterinary publishing into a leader of tech innovation in this field. As the brains behind Clinicians Brief, Beth's tale is one of pioneering spirit and ingenuity, turning a stack of unread journals into an essential resource for vets everywhere. Her company's strategic acq...

Stacee and Ira talk about their initial misconceptions about software development and the often overlooked immense value of an ongoing partnership with engineers beyond the launch phase. Lessons include learning the ropes of product development timelines and understanding the investment costs are critical for any entrepreneur aiming for success.

This week, Stacee and Ira talk about where they found their first employee and discuss what type of person can you attract when you can't pay well and don't offer any benefits....yet! Tip of the week:  Ira: You can find employees that actually care more about the business than yourself Stacee: The importance of holding in-person team meetings early on (and some great locations to do this...

This week, Ira and Stacee share what it actually feels like to see millions of dollars drop in your bank account one day when you sell your company. So, technically you're rich now....what's the first thing two nerds purchase?! And, we have our eye on some future millionaires (entrepreneurs we love): Dani Rabwin Nicole Clausen Alex Contreras Favorite tip, trick, quote of the week: Ira: T...

This week, Ira and Stacee talk about being sued or having to sue someone. Unfortunately, if you have a company, you are going to need a lawyer somewhere, somehow for something.  Tip of the week: Stacee: The podcast "How to be awesome at your job" Ira: The book "Finding confidence in conflict- How to negotiate anything and live your best life" by Christian Kwame

Have you ever launched a marketing campaign that failed miserably? Trust us, we've been there. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, cringing at our biggest mistakes in marketing. Here is a link to Stacee's embarrassing explainer video that is inappropriate on so many levels. Our favorite things: Ira: The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Pat Lencioni Stacee: Loom software

The question today is "What was your first office like?" In talking about this we delve into the importance of enjoying the climb when you are an entrepreneur. Take it from us, the money is good but the journey there is better. Our favorite tip, trick, or quote this week: Ira: Slack Stacee: Jotform To hear the whole Jim Carrey speech, go here: https://youtu.be/YAzTIOy0ID0 P.S. It's...

This week, Ira tells us the story of his son being "scientist of the week" for his school and his quest to analyze the absorbency of paper towels —tackling variables, crunching numbers, and learning that the smallest details can make the biggest impact. The question today is " Who were some of the most critical people in your journey?" Ira and Stacee  will share the stories of...

On this episode of Accidental Entrepreneur, we talk about some of the worst advice we have heard people giving to founders, like avoid having a cofounder/partner if at all possible and never telling anyone your big idea. Along the way, we share a short list of core qualities to think about when choosing your cofounders and the importance of shouting your idea from the rooftops. Favorite tips, tool...