The Build

44. Stretch (featuring Shannon Binns of Sustain Charlotte)

Managing change isn’t always easy. For industrial engineer and climate change policy expert Shannon Binns, the need to manage change became apparent when he moved to fast-growing Charlotte, North Carolina and observed a major lack of planning in the city’s sustainable growth plans. This observation inspired Shannon to start a journey of a thousand one-on-one conversations with locals about how the region was planning to handle a surge in population, business, and development. Sustain Charlotte was formed and the company quickly turned into the promise for a sustainable future in one of America’s fastest-growing metros. It’s the story of Sustain Charlotte on The Build. To view full transcript and expanded show notes: https://bit.ly/3LyGNjG [https://bit.ly/3LyGNjG] Key Takeaways [1:32] All about Charlotte, North Carolina through the eyes of Shannon Binns. [4:33] Thinking about sustainability in one of America’s fastest-growing metros. [7:47] Turning a hobby concept into a team-run organization on a mission. [14:53] Funding a grant, membership, and consultation hybrid business model. [17:34] Upholding the original vision of Sustain Charlotte while navigating the company’s growth. [20:41] Natural demographic shifts that support the mission of Sustain Charlotte. [23:06] Playing the consequence-free convener role for a wide variety of stakeholders. [25:40] Conservation vs. sustainability and helping businesses understand the implications of both. [28:37] Looking ahead to the smart-growth future of Sustain Charlotte. [31:29] Starting up a similar effort in any community starts with one-on-one conversations.

43. Found (featuring Cody and Colton Tapoler of The Lost Bros)

Entrepreneurial inspiration can be found anywhere. Brothers Cody and Colton Tapoler found their inspiration at one of the happiest places on earth — Disney World. Combining Cody’s creative skills and Colton’s operational expertise, the brothers have created park-related merchandise that is more in line with their sensibilities and turned their love of pop culture and theme parks into a thriving fashion and lifestyle brand. The Lost Bros is a fast-growing company and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon. From music and trip planning to their goal of partnering with Disney itself, there isn’t an end in sight to the success that these entrepreneurs have found. It’s the story of The Lost Bros on The Build. To view full transcript and expanded show notes: https://bit.ly/3PzwizR [https://bit.ly/3PzwizR] Key Takeaways [1:34] Introducing the passion that evolved into a full-blown lifestyle business. [6:09] Keeping ahead of the consumer demand for all things Disney. [9:50] Leveraging the urgency that comes with carrying limited-quantity merchandise. [11:53] Growing the Lost Boys team while honoring their core values. [14:43] The creative process that turns concepts into marketable designs. [19:07] Interacting with fans and keeping on good terms with the parks. [22:40] Scaling to The Lost Bros means growing without an upper ceiling and not burning out. [26:18] Must-see Disney attractions in 2019. [28:55] Brothers building a business versus building a brand.

42. Hospitality (featuring HEX Coffee)

HEX Coffee is a hospitality company that doesn’t just serve coffee. By focusing on unique experiences that exceed customer expectations, Hex Coffee has grown to a brand that is roasting their own beans, managing a physical cafe, and shipping products across the country. These three partners have positioned themselves in a place of growth and acceptance in the expanding Charlotte, North Carolina community. They admit that they’ve made plenty of mistakes and learned important lessons along their entrepreneurial path and they have tips on how to turn anyone into a lover of high-quality coffee. It’s the story of Hex Coffee on The Build. To view full transcript and expanded show notes: https://bit.ly/3yWmqKR [https://bit.ly/3yWmqKR] Key Takeaways [1:30] Introducing HEX Coffee and their journey from pop-up shop to roasting in their own space. [7:32] Are Americans asking for more than ever from their relationship with coffee? [9:47] Growing the skills and setting the milestones required to build a large-market coffee business. [13:47] Defining roles, hiring staff, and sharing responsibilities within a growing company. [20:16] All about the Coffee Shot. [28:06] Carving out a niche in a growing community starts with forming a loyal customer base. [30:20] Looking ahead to the future of HEX Coffee. [34:17] Overcoming obstacles in order to keep moving forward. [40:45] Developing a taste and a love for good coffee. [44:20] Bringing people together is a dream come true at HEX Coffee.

41. Transition (featuring Michele McKeone of Digitability)

A Philadelphia high school teacher working with autistic students realized that, with the right approach, she could help her students learn crucial work skills, get good jobs and gain their independence. Michele McKeone has created a business that helps educators prepare neuro-diverse students for a technology-driven, highly social workforce. Michele joins me today to discuss the proven success and promising future of her forward-thinking, legislative-supported company. She has refined her own skill set of marketing and fundraising and is expanding the reach of her company across the country and around the world. It’s the story of Digitability on The Build. To view full transcript and expanded show notes: https://bit.ly/3lw2gPO [https://bit.ly/3lw2gPO] Key Takeaways [1:15] How Digitability prepares people with cognitive and behavioral needs for the workplace. [2:33] Transitioning from technology student to educator to entrepreneur. [6:12] Scaling from a classroom idea to a nationwide business model. [8:45] Turning teacher feedback into a greater product. [10:36] Designing an implementation model that fits with both students and customers. [13:32] How Digitability enables the cultural and legislative shift of embracing diversity in the workplace. [18:38] Changing the product pitch for teachers versus for investors. [21:51] Financial success and scaling Digitability for future growth.

40. Hitched (featuring Samie and Ryan Roberts of Bustld)

Samie and Ryan Roberts have created a business designed to solve the challenges couples face when planning their wedding day. Based in North Carolina, their company helps connect engaged couples with the vendors and inspiration that will make their wedding day perfect. This husband and wife team join me today to talk about the post-wedding brainstorming session that inspired them to create Bustld. They share details about the team and technology behind the company, how they plan to scale to a national level, and why starting any new business is going to be one hundred times harder than you think it will be. It’s the story of Bustld on The Build. To view full transcript and expanded show notes: https://bit.ly/3MAOrLD [https://bit.ly/3MAOrLD]