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The Founders Mentality

The Founders Mentality

By Josh Fedie

A Startup and Entrepreneurship Podcast. This is an unscripted founder to founder conversation intended to organically extract the key gems and learnings from some of the best minds in the Minnesota startup scene.

The inspiration came from host Josh Fedie's journey of seeking knowledge and assembling advisors while creating and launching his second business, (SalesReach.io) a SaaS based sales acceleration, enablement, and Smarketing technology.
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EP. 21 Knowing When It’s Time

The Founders MentalityNov 15, 2019

00:00
31:24
EP.30 Creating a Media Company

EP.30 Creating a Media Company

In Episode 30 “Creating a Media Company” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by James Carbary of Sweet Fish Media.

In todays environment, content is king. But the content of today is dramatically different than it was even just 5 years ago.

If you follow Gary V in any capacity, you'll be familiar with his stance on how every company should be viewing themselves as a media company.

James and I share this belief as well.

I responded by creating a media focus within my business, a time consuming and laborious endeavor.

James on the other hand, after seeing the challenges for businesses to successfully implement this kind of strategy for themselves decided to solve a problem and create a media company to help other businesses become a media company.

James is also the author of a new book Content-Based Networking, which dives deep into the opportunities content production serves towards business development and person branding.

If your business has been considering getting into the podcasting game this would be an ideal listen for you.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

May 15, 202058:21
EP.29 "A Whole World of Experience"

EP.29 "A Whole World of Experience"

In Episode 29 “A Whole World of Experience” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Patrick Thompson of Iteratively.

What is Iteratively? A smart tracking plan for smart companies. It's a software that fosters collaboration with your entire team to ship high-quality analytics faster and be confident in the results.

Before becoming the co-founder of this new company, Patrick worked in some incredible roles with some of the biggest tech companies in and all over the world including some that my company (and yours) likely use a lot. Atlassian. You've heard of Jira and Trello right!?

Clearly, this is someone focused on organization and productivity, which made his recent company a natural fit within the skillset he developed through his career.

Enjoy!

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

May 01, 202030:01
EP. 28 Exploratory Leadership

EP. 28 Exploratory Leadership

In Episode 28 “Exploratory Leadership” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Nate Garvis, the Co-Founder of Studio/E

Nate and his longtime friend and Co-Founder Tom Wiese started their business in 2011. It was during a walk together (while talking about their own life and the lives of people they love) that they identified a need they believed they could solve.

What was that need? A place for business leaders to come together. To learn. To Grow. to help each other do better in life and business. To be better leaders in their work and community.

For the last 11 years, this initial concept has remained and has helped inspire countless leaders. Their events and workshops have become a thing of legends and their community is the definition of supportive.

If you're just learning about Studio/E, I hope you look into them more. They are an incredible resource. 

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Apr 14, 202039:57
EP.27 Be Generous

EP.27 Be Generous

In Episode 27 “Always Be Innovating” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Kris Lindahl, the founder and CEO of Kris Lindahl Real Estate.

If you live in Minnesota, you know Kris as the "guy from the billboards". But as you'll learn in this interview he is much more.

He is an innovator, he is full of generosity and he truly has The Founders' Mentality.

After working in Real Estate for other firms and growing his book of business in record breaking ways, he decided to apply his philosophy of how Real Estate could look by launching the Kris Lindahl Team.

The rest seems clear to most. He is almost omnipresent with his marketing hitting us on podcasts, live events, every other billboard in the state and radio but it's really his Be Generous campaign that he is most passionate about today. If you're not sure what that is, tune in and learn something new about a guy you assumed you knew everything about already.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Mar 31, 202057:30
EP.26 Luck of the Irish

EP.26 Luck of the Irish

In Episode 26 “Luck of the Irish” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Darin Lynch, the founder of Irish Titan.

Since 2004, Darin and his team of Titans have been beating the "Business First. Online Second.℠" drum. It's more than just a catchy (and trademarked!) saying for them. It's how they work every day.

Prior to founding his agency, Darin was responsible for some of the early ecommerce developments at companies like Wilsons Leather and 2nd Swing Golf stores.

But like many founders, he had dreams of doing this better. In his way. On his terms.

And then one magical St. Patricks Day, his vision started taking shape and the rest is history.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Mar 16, 202052:43
EP.25 The Real Deal

EP.25 The Real Deal

In Episode 25 (Season 2 premier) “The Real Deal” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Scott Burns and Ron Lancaster of Structural.

Scott Burns, the Founder and CEO of structural first made waves in the Minnesota startup scene with his business GovDelivery where he was the Founder and CEO for 17 years. 

Post acquisition, Scott founded Structural, a technology company developed to empower people and teams with data-rich profiles, intelligent search and real-time insights. 

Scott believes in fostering a strong ecosystem for entrepreneurs and was part of the investment group behind Osborn 370 in St. Paul which is filled with some of the best and brightest startups Minnesota has to offer.

Also joining in the studio was Ron Lancaster who is a master of wearing many hats, but most notably the hat of CTO at Structural. He was one of the first employees to join the startup and has been a critical piece in the early success.

Feb 28, 202051:27
EP.24 (Season 1 Finale) To Grow, You Have To Let Go #DoBetter

EP.24 (Season 1 Finale) To Grow, You Have To Let Go #DoBetter

In Episode 24 (Season 1 Finale) “To Grow, You Have To Let Go. #DoBetter” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Bob Gardner, the founder of Gardner Builders.

For 2020 Bobs mantra is to Do Better and to Do More. Anyone that knows Bob is likely wondering how this could even be possible. He is generous beyond the meaning of the word, leads with care and integrity and is a constant safe place to land for the people that work with him and the people in his circle.

For these reason and more he was the only logical choice to round out the first season with a positive message for the holiday season.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Dec 23, 201938:25
EP.23 What's the Worst That Could Happen?

EP.23 What's the Worst That Could Happen?

In Episode 23 “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Sarah Edwards, the founder of I AM Sarah Edwards.

Sarah is not what she would call a “born entrepreneur”. She wasn’t the kid with lemonade stands and her family was much more interested in seeing her take a more “safe” rout in her career.

But what is safe today anyway right!?!?

He agency has now been going just shy of 2 years and has found a way to not only make an impact for her clients but the community. They focus on doing more good with everything they do and they make our town better every day because of that.

This is the episode for the founder curious that feels the need to do something new, but fears that they don’t quite fit the mold.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Dec 17, 201941:06
EP.22 Bienvenidos a Miami (and the importance in doing what you love)

EP.22 Bienvenidos a Miami (and the importance in doing what you love)

In Episode 22 “Bienvenidos a Miami” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Kyle Hale of Bite Squad fame.

Not all people with The Founders Mentality have to be the actual founder of the business they work for. In the case of Kyle, his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit has helped two businesses reach their goal of acquisition in the last 5 years.

Today, Kyle is putting his experience to use in a multitude of ways and I have no doubt that he will again be a part of another success story very soon. 

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Dec 02, 201925:18
EP. 21 Knowing When It’s Time

EP. 21 Knowing When It’s Time

In Episode 21 “Knowing When It’s Time” Host Josh Fedie, Founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Melissa Danielsen, Co-Founder of Joshin.

A two-time founder, Melissa discusses her “Why” (get ready, it’s a powerful one), the story behind her businesses (One currently being acquired) and the learnings she has taken on while creating her first technology company.

You can tell family is truly a first-priority. Not only were both of her business created because of and named after her brother Josh, but her co-founder Melanie is her twin sister.

I would not bet against these two or this company for anything in the world. This is going to be a Minnesota success story without any doubts in my mind. Watch out!

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Nov 15, 201931:24
EP. 20 Learning the Hard Way (Sometimes the Right Way)

EP. 20 Learning the Hard Way (Sometimes the Right Way)

In Episode 20 “Taking the Hard Way (Sometimes the Right Way)” Josh Fedie, founder of SalesReach.io is joined by Charlie Youakim, Co-Founder of Sezzle.

A two-time founder, Charlie discusses what he learned from some of the hardships of his first business and how he applied that knowledge when launching his new company Sezzle.

Additionally, Josh and Charlie discuss the importance in giving your team the ability to access shares to help fund future growth through their own businesses, their epic growth at Sezzle including a recent IPO in Australia and what the future of the company looks like. Spoiler, the future is looking good on this one.

Get ready to learn from one of the FinTech future giants helping to put MN Tech on the map.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Oct 17, 201928:35
EP.19 When the Idea Hits (Courage, Ambition & Crazy)

EP.19 When the Idea Hits (Courage, Ambition & Crazy)

In Episode 19 “When the Idea Hits” Josh Fedie of Salesreach.io is joined by brothers Jesse & Simon Okiror, the co-founders of Suprabook.

As a litigation attorney, Jesse identified a challenge that not most, but all other litigation attorneys were struggling with. Proper document storage and distribution during cases. The current process requires printing and sorting in multiples of case relevant materials for every case to be prepared in physical binders. This is not only tedious, but incredibly unnecessary in our current digital world.

The only thing standing in the way was the lack of an actual digital tool purpose built for this need. That’s when the idea hit.

Jesse reached out to his brother Simon for marketing assistance, which quickly turned into the decision by them both to take the plunge into entrepreneurship together.

Suprabook has quickly made waves in the legal tech space securing not only their first clients but also attracting investors and now a third member to help grow this rocket ship.

Listen to their story, these are two good guys on the verge of something great.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Sep 30, 201939:39
EP.18 Finding Your Window

EP.18 Finding Your Window

In Episode 18 "Finding Your Window" Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by the founder of Scaling Within, Meredith Kathleen Neumann, MS, LMFT.

As a licensed therapist with 10 years experience, Meredith helps entrepreneurs and business leaders identify and overcome barriers, access their inner potential and turn challenges into opportunities for success. 

Josh and Kathleen discuss the creation story around her business, as well as the learnings she has from her work with a myriad of "kings of industry".

This is the perfect episode to remind all of us Founders/CEO's that we are not alone (even though we may feel that way many times).

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Sep 17, 201932:09
EP.17 Supernova CEO

EP.17 Supernova CEO

In Episode 17 "Supernova CEO" Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by Jon Pearce of Zipnosis

Do you know yourself? 

One key trait both Jon and Josh share is the belief in owning your strengths and weaknesses and the importance in surrounding yourself with people that are capable in ways that you are not.  Additionally, Jon discusses leadership styles and the difference between a "black hole" and "Supernova" leader. Simply put, a black hole leader is great at pulling people in, but a Supernova leader creates stars. 

We should all aspire to be Supernova leaders to our teams.

They also discuss some of their favorite local founder inspirations.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Aug 28, 201934:14
EP.16 More Than One Way

EP.16 More Than One Way

In Episode 16 "More Than One Way" Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by Shayla Christine of YouTube fame for her Living on a One Way series. Since 2015, Shayla has been traveling full-time, posting videos of her travels every Wednesday. Today she is helping others develop their YouTube & social strategy and looking for what's next in her career.

One thing many entrepreneurs struggle with is the feeling of losing ones identity when in transition. But change is something we all need to learn to embrace. At some point, we all transition away from the businesses we have built. It might be after a successful sale, a catastrophic loss of revenue, retirement or just simply because it's time for something new. Shayla is currently in the "what's next" process of her life, but after speaking with her I am confident that the next thing will be epic.

This is not a story of getting rich as a YouTube celebrity. This is a story of living the life you want to live. And isn't that what we all want?

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Check out Living On A One Way: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RobiwT0rKJZKdqwSr6AXA

Aug 12, 201931:33
EP.15 Leaving The Corporate Treadmill

EP.15 Leaving The Corporate Treadmill

In Episode 15 “Leaving the Corporate Treadmill” Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by Kevin McArdle, co-founder of SureSwift Capital to discuss the origin of SureSwift capital, the decision to leave corporate America and strike out on his venture, and their strategy for growth through acquiring profitable SaaS based, bootstrapped companies.

Additionally, we were joined by Jac Stark who was hired to help lead the growth of their most recent acquisition of Tech.mn, an important part of the local Minnesota tech scene.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Jul 26, 201935:34
EP.14.5 The Long & Lonely Journey

EP.14.5 The Long & Lonely Journey

In Episode 14.5 “The Long & Lonely Journey” Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by Terence Steinberg of United World Challenge who is gearing up to row a 23-foot boat 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean by himself. This journey – the United World Challenge – is his attempt to show that with the right preparation and attitude, anything is possible, even crossing an ocean using just the power and inspiration gifted to us as human beings.

The parallels between launching and running a business were immediately obvious. How many of us feel all alone in the middle of the ocean at least once a week?

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Let’s help support him in his mission by donating to his GoFundMe campaign

Jul 23, 201928:43
EP.14 Rally Around Your Co-Founder

EP.14 Rally Around Your Co-Founder

In Episode 14 “Rally Around Your Co-Founder” Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io is joined by Liz and Kate of RallyRegistry.com to discuss how the Rally team went from a group of coworkers/employees at a previous company to a group of business partners with an idea and a goal. The company has a clear mission. Inspired by their personal experience helping one of their co-founders through cancer treatment, Rally Registry exists to make it easier to bring thoughtful gifts to loved ones facing cancer. It is also an incredible portal for individuals suffering from cancer to find the products they need while going through treatment. 

When bad things happen to our loved ones, we all want to help. We just don't always know the best way. Rally Registry makes helping easier. 

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Jul 11, 201929:42
EP.13 Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

EP.13 Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

In Episode 13 “Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone” Nick Hughes of FoundersLive.com & Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io catch up as Nick passes through Minnesota while on his 12-month world tour supporting Founders Live. His business was founded in 2016 in Seattle to give startup founders a platform to share the businesses they are building and seek the support they need to grow. Their 99 second pitch events have become a favorite format of founders across the world ever since.

After a life change in late 2018, Nick decided to hit the road in a deliberate 12 month hiatus from his normal life to learn more about what his company has become in states and places in the world he has never been. Not previously a world traveler, this has been an incredible lesson for him both physically and mentally as he continues working towards as far-off lands as Africa on his tour schedule.

Talk about jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down!

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Jun 18, 201932:28
EP. 12 Equity, Standardization & Vesting

EP. 12 Equity, Standardization & Vesting

In Episode 12 “Equity, Standardization & Vesting” Chris Carlisle of Gray Plant Mooty & Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io dive into some of the legal considerations and fundraising mechanisms startups can consider while incorporating, launching and raising during their business growth. 

One of the big takeaways is planning for the future in every decision from day 1. 

Chris has been practicing for 18 years and works exclusively in startup and emerging technology for the oldest law firm in Minnesota. His resume is impressive to say the least and the knowledge shared in this 30 minutes is invaluable. 

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

Jun 12, 201931:44
EP. 11 Conviction in your Strategy

EP. 11 Conviction in your Strategy

In Episode 11 “Conviction in your Strategy” Reed Robinson of BETA & Josh Fedie of SalesReach.io talk about accelerators, the Minnesota startup scene, startup week, building your team and losing a co-founder. Reed has had a front-row seat for the last 5 years to the Minnesota startup scene. He is a wealth of knowledge in this space and it was an absolute pleasure having him in the studio.

Watch the video on our website: http://thefoundersmentality.com

Learn More about SalesReach: https://salesreach.io

Learn More about the host: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshfedie/

May 29, 201935:52
EP.10 Feeling Accountable is not Being Accountable
May 09, 201942:50
EP.9 The Sales Entrepreneur
Apr 29, 201935:21
EP.8 Be Intentional
Apr 29, 201934:52
EP.7 Growth Mindset
Apr 29, 201929:44
EP.6 It’s Not All Glamorous
Apr 29, 201928:03
EP.5 Mapping Out The Process
Apr 29, 201930:21
EP.4 Copper Bullets
Apr 29, 201923:00
EP.3 Ideation
Apr 29, 201929:45
EP.2 CEO Sales
Apr 29, 201928:33
EP.1 Testing Resilience
Mar 22, 201928:57