Aggie Growth Hacks Podcast

How Benchly is Setting the Bar with Haydn Jones

How Benchly is Setting the Bar
Howdy, Ags! Today, we have the director for business development at Benchly, Haydn Jones ‘17! In this episode, he shares how they leverage technology in the legal industry. We are thrilled to have Haydn on the show!
 
Law Industry Technology
Documents flood law offices, and without an organization system intact would mean trouble. Luckily, with technology, law firms can have that extra sense of organization for litigation documents. There is a lot of documentation going back and forth between the client and the opposing counsel’s attorney. All kinds of briefs and motions filed to court pile up. With the tools they have at Benchly, Haydn says they can streamline that process for everyone involved. Through that, it would be beneficial for attorneys, their secretaries, and even paralegals, and the overall bottom line is that they positively impact that. What drew Haydn to the legal industry was back in his business class days. Taking law was at the back of Haydn’s mind, but he eventually chose business over it. Seeing the intersection of his passions became a great career move for Haydn, who now enjoys his job at Benchly.
 
About Haydn Jones:
Sparked by a Business Law course during the pursuit of his Bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M University, Haydn Jones’ interest in the legal landscape found a diverse and demanding arena in which the talent pool possesses unique characteristics and practice areas. As Haydn was suddenly at the crossroads to either attend law school or continue on his planned track of diving into the entrepreneurial deep end, the logical next step was to find the intersection of the law and business. Through this search, he stumbled on the bustling vertical that is legal technology and has yet to look back since earning an early position with Benchly, Inc. As one of the few U.S. companies with a comprehensive case law database, Benchly possesses unique capabilities that other legal technology vendors rely on integrations or APIs to accomplish. This distinction has enabled the company to expand to reach all corners and coasts of the United States with further outreach on the horizon. Of course, the journey with Benchly has proved to be a formidable one that has allowed Haydn the opportunity to be immersed in both the legal and business worlds that he once dreamed of in Mosher Hall at Texas A&M.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[02:37] Software for Attorneys
[07:56] Tipping Point
[11:20] Biggest Challenge
[15:27] Distinctions
[17:13] BHAG
[19:44] Lightning Round
[25:37] Interview Takeaways
 
Resources:
Website: https://www.benchly.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haydn-jones17/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
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How to Turn a Good Life into a Rockstar Life with Robert Martinez

Howdy, Ags! Today, we have the founder and CEO of Rockstar Capital, Robert Martinez ‘96! In this episode, he shares how he grew his company from nothing to what it is now. We thank Robert for sharing his knowledge with us today!
 
Epiphany Moment - How to Turn a Good Life into a Rockstar Life
As a child, Robert’s parents gave him one piece of advice: go to school and get good grades. Being his first mentors, he followed them and went on to be the first in the family to graduate college. The following advice was from his professors, telling him what employers look for and to save for his 401k. Robert worked for ten years in corporate America. Eventually, he had a moment of epiphany – he did not have control over his financial future; his employer did. That was when Robert decided to turn his life around. He learned about real estate investing and got into a paid mentorship program to learn more. Being a sales guy helped him network with partners and clients alike. Robert hustled hard, and that came into fruition with the establishment of his company. If it had not been for Robert’s realization, he would not have a life that he has complete control over.
 
About Robert Martinez:
After founding Rockstar Capital in March 2011, Robert has since directed the growth of Rockstar Capital’s managed portfolio to 21 apartment communities with a total of 3,762 rental units. Since 2011, he has directed the underwriting, acquisition, and management of 30 apartment communities consisting of more than 5,243 rental units. On top of running an award-winning business, Robert holds an Engineering Degree from Texas A&M and is the only person to have won the National Apartment Association Independent Rental Owner of the Year twice. Robert shares a passion for soccer with his two boys, Ryan and Conner, and enjoys supporting their daily efforts in local club soccer.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[03:26] Origin Story
[09:11] Real Estate Investing
[13:31] Loved Part of the Deal
[20:19] BHAG
[20:26] Dynamic ads
[21:57] Lightning Round
[26:58] Interview Takeaways
 
 
Resources:
https://www.rockstar-capital.com/
https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
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YouTube: https://bit.ly/AGH-YouTube

Who Wants To Invest In Jurassic Park with Larry Warnock

Howdy, Ags! Today, we have the managing partner of Ring Ventures, Larry Warnock! In this episode, he discusses how venture capital actually looks at businesses. It is with great pleasure that we have him on the show!
 
Who Wants To Invest In Jurassic Park with Larry Warnock 
Venture capital is never considered a debt. The beauty of it lies in the risk-taking capacity of a firm or investor because there is a potentially high return for it. Venture capital is equity to build a business with the hopes of an exit, being an IPO, or getting acquired. To be an accredited investor, one must meet the criteria the SEC set. By definition, someone making $200,000, or $300,000 with a partner, or has a million-dollar liquidity net means one can get accredited. A venture capital pitch takes six weeks on average, as investors would want to go into the details. A pitch usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, where investors check on the idea, the total addressable market, due diligence on income statements and balance sheets, and other similar things. After the presentation, that is the time investors bid against each other on who gets to buy a percentage of a company with a long-term opportunity to return high gains. 
 
About Larry Warnock:
Larry Warnock is a seasoned venture-backed tech executive with multiple exits via acquisition or IPO. He was most recently the president and CEO of Olono, an AI platform for sales effectiveness (acquired by InsightSquared). Previously he was the CEO of Gazzang, a provider of big data security software (acquired by Cloudera), and Phurnace, a provider of DevOps software (acquired by BMC Software). After moving to Austin from Silicon Valley, Larry was a venture partner at AVLabs, the incubator fund of Austin Ventures. His career has allowed him to work with numerous VCs and companies across California, Colorado, and Texas. Austin is now his home with his wife of 35 years. He started his software career in sales and marketing and has been a VP executive at several successful high-growth companies, including Documentum, OnLink, Siebel, and Vignette. Larry is an advisor to InsightSquared of Boston, MA, and several early-stage companies here in Texas. He is also a Venture Partner with ATXVenture Partners, a seed and Series A stage investor in the Southwest. Larry graduated from Texas A&M and is a frequent speaker at Texas A&M’s Mays School of Business.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[04:05] About Ring Ventures
[09:38] Shark Tank Pitch
[15:02] Follow the Trend
[17:01] Pitch
[28:27] Criteria for Evaluation
[34:28] Dynamic Ad
[36:45] Venture Capital-Private Equity Intersection
[38:03] Lightning Round
[45:57] Contact / Outro
 
Resources:
Website: https://www.av.vc/funds/ring
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://bit.ly/AGH-YouTube

The Difference Between Running And Owning A Business with Travis Richards

Howdy, Ags! Today, we have the CEO of CATCO, Travis Richards! In this episode, Travis shares about their thriving business that uses resilient and abundant energy by manufacturing flameless heating systems. We are grateful for Travis’s presence with us and wish his company well! 
 
The Difference Between Running And Owning A Business
Travis used to put an asterisk next to his name as CEO and entrepreneur. After all, his grandfather, Bill, started the company 40 years ago. Being the third generation, Travis had to take over as CEO of CATCO. On his first day, he realized that running the business differed from owning it. Running the company meant that every decision Travis made meant money and risks. It took eight years for Travis to realize that because he did not know what he was expecting. Moreover, he was in the military before getting into the family business. From there, Travis stopped himself from acting quickly and taking risks without thinking twice because that would have consequences reflecting on the company. It took a lot of adjusting for Travis to become the CEO of their company, but in the end, it was all worth it.
 
About Travis Richards:
Travis Richards, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’05, is the CEO of CATCO, a catalytic heating manufacturer. He served in the US Air Force before coming back home to join the family business. 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[04:38] Entrepreneurial Journey
[12:43] Family Business
[16:54] About the Company
[21:24] Risk
[23:17] Future Goals
[25:43] BHAG
[29:26] Lightning Round
[34:45] Get Better at Business Podcast
[36:01] Interview Takeaways
 
Resources:
https://www.catcousa.com/
https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
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Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB
YouTube: https://bit.ly/AGH-YouTube

Be Consistent and Success Will Follow with Dustin Neff

Howdy, Ags! Today, we are joined by the General Manager of Triple A Air conditioning and Heating, Dustin Neff! In this episode, Dustin shares how self-awareness helped him take the business to the next level and how he plans to move Triple A even more forward. We are excited to hear more about Dustin in the show, so make sure to tune in with us!
 
Dustin, On Letting Go
When asked about the most pivotal decision he has made in the business, Dustin brought up a point in his career where he had to let go of some things. He had to let go of some hats. Initially, Dustin wore multiple hats as a key person in their family business. He worked in the field, in sales, in inventory, and in pretty much every facet of Triple A. But as Dustin went on, he knew such an approach couldn’t continue. Dustin realized he was working way too much in the business and not on it. After working with a business coach, Dustin made the conscious decision that instead of working in different positions, the company would benefit far better if they hired talents that are better than them and could contribute more skills, time, and expertise.
 
About Dustin Neff:
Dustin Neff is the General Manager of Triple A Air Conditioning and Heating. He graduated in sports management from Texas A&M University in 2013.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[03:04] Working in Triple A since the age of 14
[06:53] The goal of becoming a value home service business
[09:49] What propelled Triple A?
[16:11] Dustin’s favorite hack
[18:51] Dustin Neff on the passion for helping
[22:35] Tech has allowed equipment to self-diagnose issues
[24:01] The goal of the system is to prevent breakdowns…
[29:27] Contact / Outro
 
Resources:
Website: https://dfwairconditioning.com/
 
Connect with [host]!
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Quality, Happy Homes with Hugh Stearns

Howdy, Ags! Today, we have the president, owner, and founder of Stearns Design-Build, Hugh Stearns! In this episode, Hugh shares with us why he is passionate about designing and building residential spaces to create health and happiness. We are grateful to have Hugh with us on the show, and we are excited about his future projects ahead!
 
Quality, Happy Homes
Design is not just for aesthetics – it is something built with a purpose to make lives easier. Hugh is passionate about designing and building happy homes that improve the quality of life. Having a background in Psychology, Hugh read that people who know when the sun rises and sets consistently report that they are happier than those who don’t. The same thing is also applicable to moon phases. Bearing that in mind, Hugh incorporated that in developing his designs when he started his company, thus the tagline “designing happiness.” In architecture, the psychology of space heavily lies in the details of how they are organized. Users are always given high consideration as it is always the cardinal rule to design for people. For Hugh, the home is a family’s hearth and sanctuary – the center of their life. Hugh believes that getting to that center and focusing on the things that create connections for them, that is, with nature and people, is a way to overcome the angst of modernity.
 
About Hugh Stearns:
Hugh ran Stearns Design-Build as a one-person operation when he founded it in 1993. He has been the first employee in virtually every position in the company. He grew up in College Station and Bryan and graduated from Texas A&M.
His background in philosophy and psychology has helped develop the design theory that drives the company’s unique approach to residential design and green building. He took his first class in green building in 1976 and has remained a student of building science ever since. His passion for remodeling and custom home design is a large part of what has driven our growth and award-winning recognition for customer service. When you meet with Hugh, he will answer any questions you have, explain how our process works, and discuss what you would like to do with your remodeling project.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[02:50] Elevator Pitch
[03:49] Being Detail-Oriented
[07:46] Tipping Point To Accelerate
[09:32] Biggest Challenge
[14:04] Industry Changes
[18:36] BHAG
[22:04] Lightning Round
[25:27] Contact / Outro
 
Resources:
https://www.stearnsdesignbuild.com/
https://www.aggiegrowthhacks.com/
 
Connect with Greg & Chris!
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Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB

Finding Clarity & Resolve In Your Purpose with Otis McGregor

Howdy, Ags! Today, we are talking to a Leadership & Success Coach and the Founder of Tribe and Purpose, Otis McGregor! In this episode, Otis shares the milestones of going from military to joining corporate to finally finding his life's purpose. He talks about the struggles that made it hard and the things that made it all happen, and we're excited to hear about it!
 
From Military to Coaching
Corporations are greatly beholden to their stockholders. And that's just generally how it usually is in most corporations. But because of this, sometimes corporate is also not quick to adapt. This is one of the significant realizations Otis experienced when he left corporate in his post-military years and decided to found Tribe and Purpose. As someone who came from the military, an institution that runs on orders, Otis also experienced a significant change of environment upon becoming an entrepreneur. As the founder of his own coaching organization, for the first time, Otis can finally say—"no!" Otis welcomed this kind of change with wide arms as the man behind his own cause and purpose. As an entrepreneur, he can now reclaim the power to say "no" to anything that doesn't align with his values.
 
About Otis McGregor:
Otis' purpose is to create a legacy of leaders who create great organizations. Because he believes that great organizations create great communities and, with great communities, around the world, we will create a better world.
He leads Tribe and Purpose with his son Camden. This unique combination allows them to blend their experiences and perspectives to be the guide for their clients to fulfill their purpose. Their values drive their purpose to help others discover and pursue their purpose in life.
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[03:01] The goal of Tribe and Purpose
[06:08] Otis McGregor on life realizations post-military
[08:50] First thing, building the network
[10:58] Corporate is so focused on stockholders and processes
[12:41] You can't say the wrong things to the right people, and the right things to the wrong people
[16:48] Otis' plan for Tribe and Purpose
[18:24] Otis McGregor on the Lightning Round
[20:39] Great leaders create great organizations
[21:28] Contact / Outro
 
Resources:
Website: https://www.tribe-purpose.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/otismcgregor/
 
Connect with [host]!
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Season Five Upgrade with Greg & Chris

Howdy, Ags! Here is a primer to season five! We are kicking off this season with some changes we came up with and also working hard on telling you a bit of the Aggie Growth Hacks origin story. Thanks for your continued patronage of our show! We have a lot in store for you!
 
Season Five Upgrade
For the fifth season of the show, Greg and Chris have prepared something for listeners! First up is having double the number of episodes each week. That means more entrepreneurs to share their entrepreneur stories and more insights and inspiration for listeners! Aggie Growth Hacks is going bigger now after four seasons, which their first episode was only recorded on an iPhone. Looking back, Greg and Chris recall memorable interviews with guests who shared their knowledge for listeners to learn from. The show also took the hosts out of their comfort zones doing things such as recording and post-production editing, which are not their field of expertise as Greg is a banker and Chris is a marketer. They prepared a lot of surprises this season, so be sure to tune in to the latest episodes!
 
Outline of the Episode:
[00:00] Intro
[01:03] More Episodes Weekly
[03:10] Out of the Comfort Zone
[05:49] Entrepreneurial Journey
[09:53] Gratitude for Sponsors
[11:09] Chris’ Elevator Pitch
[17:18] Entrepreneurial Operating System
[20:12] Greg’s Journey
[23:37] Profit First Professional
[26:42] Lightning Round
[35:56] Contact / Outro
 
Connect with Greg and Chris!
Apple: http://bit.ly/AGH-Apple
Spotify: http://bit.ly/AggieGH
Stitcher: http://bit.ly/AGH-Stitch
Podbean: http://bit.ly/AGH-PB