In this Fearless Founders podcast episode, hosts Ike and Benoy interview Evan Teshima, founder of a golf-focused tech company, which he successfully grew and sold. Evan shares his experiences, revealing lessons on pivoting business models, sales strategies, and hiring, as well as building a sustainable startup from the ground up. His insights resonate with founders navigating the complex landscape of entrepreneurship. Let’s dive into each key takeaway, exploring how Evan’s journey can guide other entrepreneurs.
Evan’s entrepreneurial journey started with a unique idea—a social media platform for golfers. However, after several failed attempts to garner investor interest, he realized the need for a pivot. Through customer feedback and market insights, he shifted his focus to creating a cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system for golf courses.
Lesson: Be ready to listen to customers and adapt your product based on real-world needs rather than sticking rigidly to your initial idea.
Lesson: Entrepreneurs should be prepared to pivot—sometimes multiple times—to find the right product-market fit. Every pivot brings them closer to solving real problems.
Lesson: Market timing is crucial. Being early with the right solution can give a startup a massive competitive advantage.
Evan stresses the importance of founders taking a hands-on approach to sales in the early stages of their business. Founders are often best positioned to understand customer needs and drive revenue when resources are tight.
Lesson: Founders must wear multiple hats, and mastering sales is critical. Selling helps validate the product, build relationships, and drive early revenue.
Lesson: Early sales are a strong indicator of whether a startup is on the right track. If customers are willing to pay, it means the product is solving a real problem.
Lesson: When funding is scarce, sales can be the best way to keep the lights on and build momentum.
Evan strongly advocates for building an in-house technical team, especially in the early stages, as he believes it is crucial for product development and maintaining control over the company’s vision.
Lesson: A strong in-house team can drive product development with greater understanding and passion, leading to better results.
Lesson: Startups need the ability to pivot quickly, and having an in-house team allows for faster, more responsive changes.
Lesson: Building an in-house technical team can reduce long-term costs and give the startup better control over its product’s development and future.
One of the most difficult challenges Evan faced was hiring a sales leader. After several missteps with external hires, he found success by promoting internally—a lesson many founders can learn from.
Lesson: A candidate’s past experience at big-name companies doesn’t necessarily translate to success in a smaller, growing company.
Lesson: Promoting from within can often lead to better results because the internal candidates have the knowledge, loyalty, and proven track record.
Lesson: Internal promotions can help build a culture of trust, continuity, and respect within the team.
Evan Teshima’s entrepreneurial journey offers critical insights for startup founders. His success stems from an ability to adapt and pivot, a strong focus on customer-driven sales, building a dedicated in-house team, and learning from leadership hiring missteps. By focusing on solving real problems and creating a scalable business, Evan shows that founders who stay agile and focused are better positioned to seize growth opportunities—and eventual acquisition deals. His story is a testament to persistence, adaptability, and knowing when to pivot, offering a roadmap for any entrepreneur aiming to scale successfully.
Join Benoy and Ike on the Fearless Founders podcast, where professionalism meets fun, and every episode is a step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams. Tune in on YouTube and Spotify, and visit their website for access to premium services that elevate your business journey. This is your opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Evan Teshima joins us to share essential strategies for business growth, from recognizing your customers as invaluable investors to mastering the art of acquisitions. Evan highlights the importance of smart hiring, emphasizing the risks of skipping background checks and the reality that impressive interviews don’t always translate to strong performance. We also explore how the right mentor can provide crucial guidance through key business decisions, ensuring you avoid costly mistakes and stay on the path to success.
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, few journeys are as inspiring as those of women founders who defy the odds to achieve remarkable success. In this insightful episode of Fearless Founders, hosts Ike and Benoy welcome guest speaker Eva Helen, a CEO of EQ Inspiration, to share her experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the business world. Through a candid conversation, they explore the realities of perfectionism, emotional resilience, and the unique dynamics faced by women in leadership.
In the 15th episode of Fearless Founders, hosts Ike and Benoy sit down with Josh Freeman, founder of the law firm Freeman-Lovell, to discuss the critical legal considerations that entrepreneurs often overlook. With his extensive experience helping startups from launch to exit, Josh offers actionable advice on legal structures, equity management, and the importance of getting things right from the beginning.
In this 14th episode of the Fearless Founders podcast, Ike and Benoy sit down with Scott Frazier, one of the most prolific angel investors in the startup world. Scott shares invaluable insights from his extensive experience in investing, offering sage advice on what it takes to succeed as a founder and how to navigate the complex world of angel investing. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, Scott’s wisdom and practical tips are not to be missed. Dive into this episode for a masterclass on startup success from a true industry veteran.
Join Benoy and Ike on the Fearless Founders podcast, where professionalism meets fun, and every episode is a step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams. Tune in on YouTube and Spotify, and visit their website for access to premium services that elevate your business journey. This is your opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
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