In the latest episode of the Createur Podcast, hosts Karli Byrd ’23 and Spencer James ’24 from the McGraw School of Business, welcomed Jeff Williams, a serial entrepreneur known for his innovative ventures and significant contributions to diverse industries. Jeff’s journey is particularly remarkable for his ability to address challenges head-on, as evidenced in his co-founding of Wellbridge Surgical in response to skyrocketing healthcare costs.
One of the focal points of the discussion was identifying the right time to scale a business. Jeff offered a pragmatic perspective, suggesting, “If you’re not married yet, that’s a great time to scale… the later you get in your life when expenses are piling up, it makes it a lot harder.” His advice underlined the importance of seizing opportunities at the right moment, especially when financial risks are comparatively low.
Jeff also highlighted the critical role of sales and marketing in business expansion. He emphasized the need for visibility and outreach, saying, “I’m a big sales and marketing guy. Without sales, it’s kind of hard for operations to have anything to do.” This approach resonates with entrepreneurs striving to build a solid foundation for their businesses.
The conversation also veered towards maintaining a company’s culture during growth phases. Jeff shared his experience with Spry, his marketing firm, illustrating how they kept their core values intact amidst expansion. He passionately described their Christ-centered approach and commitment to social causes, adding, “This is his [Christ’s] business, not mine, and I’m just here as a vessel.”
Jeff underscored the importance of both internal and external growth measures. He advised that listening to clients is essential for external feedback, while internally, employee satisfaction and cultural adherence are crucial. His experience with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) was shared as a valuable tool for maintaining quality and consistency during scaling.
The podcast wrapped up with a quirky analogy where Jeff likened Spry Brands to French vanilla ice cream: “We’re very consistent… but we’re not vanilla, we’re French vanilla.” This metaphor aptly captured the essence of Spry – reliable yet dynamic.
The Createur Podcast is the media arm of the Createur Conference & Pitch Competition. To attend for free or apply to compete for a share of the $15,000 prize pool, visit createur.olivet.edu.
To learn more about the McGraw School of Business at Olivet, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
