110: How to Spring Some Fire into your Company with Jay Wilkinson of Firespring

Jay Wilkinson - Firespring Interview

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Background on Jay Wilkinson of Firespring:

Jay Wilkinson is CEO of Firespring. The company is a Midwest-based marketing, print and software company providing exceptional creative, unmatched strategy and effective nonprofit tools. Today, Firespring has more than 200 team members and thousands of clients in all 50 states and all over the world. It became Nebraska's first Certified B Corp in 2014 and was named by Inc. Magazine in 2016 as one of the “50 Best Workplaces.”​

Early in life Jay learned he couldn't follow directions and eventually succumbed to becoming an entrepreneur. Before graduating from college, he started 8 businesses, most of which failed miserably. He eventually caught on, and in 1986 helped launch Campus Connection magazine in NYC which eventually expanded to 350 college campuses. After selling the magazine in '92, Jay moved back to Nebraska to open an AlphaGraphics printshop which subsequently broke the record for the 350-store franchise as the fastest to reach $1M in annual sales. Today, the printing company is listed by Printing News magazine as the #1 (largest) rapid-response printshop in America.

Jay has invested in more than 30 startups and is a passionate advocate for the Silicon Prairie having served on the Nebraska Angels BOD since its inception. He also owns commercial properties and franchises that include Holiday Inn Express hotels. In his spare time, Jay can be found on adventures with his family or on a quest for the perfect scuba diving location. He sits on several nonprofit boards and is an avid supporter of programs that provide leadership and enrichment training for America's youth.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [1:17] Jay Wilkinson is the founder and CEO of Firespring. He refers to Firespring as the world’s first inside-out company. Today, they are focusing on working with companies that are trying to make a positive difference in the community.
  • [4:37] Jay explains why he prefers putting up his business in Lincoln, Nebraska. He moved from New York to Nebraska in order to set up his business.
  • [6:38] Firespring started in 1992 as a printing business.
  • [9:43] A few weeks before he opened his franchise printing business, Jay, his wife, and the manager of his printing business personally walked in to hundreds of companies to promote his business and create key connections.
  • [11:43] In 1996, his business started developing websites for clients. Jay told a story regarding how they were able to get the Backstreet Boys as their client.
  • [15:30] Find the right software tools with Capterra.com. Capterra is the leading free online resource to help you find the best software solution for your business. Visit millionaire-interviews.com/capterra
  • [17:28] Jay truly believes that being a franchisee is a great way for people to become business owners. He is a big believer of franchising.
  • [22:02] In 2002, Jay had the most devastating experience in his entrepreneurial career. In a vote of 4-3, he was fired by his own board.
  • [25:10] Jay’s brother and father gave him the needed financial support to buy his investors out and pay them back.
  • [27:58] Jay learned the importance of being open, vulnerable, and transparent when you are struggling with your business.
  • [31:50] Jay talks about his Firespring, which allows his team to be always in the same page with what they believe in.
  • [33:56] Fundrise is the future of real estate investing. Fundrise enables you to access high quality, high potential real estate projects that are managed by a team of real estate professionals. Visit millionaire-interviews.com/fundrise
  • [36:15] Jay believes that it will not cost too much money if a business wants to elevate their purpose beyond just earning a profit.
  • [40:25] Jay gave a few recommendations for people who are in the process of acquiring a company.
  • [47:10] In his younger years, Jay describes himself as a starter and creator. Today, he wants to be known as a finisher, which means someone who can translate ideas into action.
  • [49:48] According to Jay, entrepreneurs are lonely but very driven people.
  • [1:01:09] Jay gave some important advises regarding building a culture within a small businesses consisting of a few employees.

Fabulous 4 Questions:

  1. 📖 📚 Favorite Book(s)? Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker, Bold by Peter Diamandis, Guns Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond, and Traction by Gino Wickman
  2. 🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? My Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones
  3. 🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? EOS – The Entrepreneur Operating System
  4. 💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Finding talent.

Key Point from the Interview:

  • “We value people above profit. If we take great care of our people, our people will take great care of our clients.”

Resources Mentioned:

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