In this podcast episode, Jonathan interviews Todd Embley, a tech VC, business mentor, and investor in real estate. Todd shares his journey from working in the tech industry in China to taking over a windows and doors business in Vernon. He discusses the challenges he faced during the transition, the importance of customer service, and his long-term goals for his business. Todd discusses the important aspects of business that are often overlooked, and shares his approach to pro bono work and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining its culture.
Todd Embley spends his time mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs and startups and believes the path to success is in the approach and having the right "entrephilosophy".
Over the years, his experience has taught him a great deal about managing cultural differences, the philosophy behind success and failure, and how much he loves building a strong startup community that should be led by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.
His latest podcast, The Negotiation, is designed to bridge the cultural divide between the West and East through interviews with China and APAC region experts to help improve and drive successful cross-border business.
His superpower is people and relationships. When he mentors he focuses on building the people who are building companies, rather than helping them build their companies. It's not about what you're building, it's why and how you build it that leads to success. Todd has also become deeply passionate about mental health, having recently been diagnosed with ADHD. He says the issue of mental health cannot be overstated, and he will always jump at the opportunity to take action towards helping reduce the stigma.
What We Discuss:
[00:02:37] Todd discusses his time in China, starting tech companies and experiencing the growth of the internet.
[00:11:44] The importance of customer service and the difficulties of hiring in the trades industry.
[00:12:52] How Todd and his wife brought their business and tech background to improve an old windows and doors business.
[00:13:48] The need to build a sustainable business model and the importance of understanding how to run a business in order to support the team and scale the company.
[00:22:56] The benefits of owning a building for a business and the potential financial advantages it brings.
[00:25:52] Examples of successful businesses that attribute their success to owning their own real estate.
[00:27:58] Building a strong team and surrounding oneself with high-end professionals in order to achieve business success.
[00:35:45] The significance of customer reviews and feedback, offering incentives for reviews, and learning from customer dissatisfaction to improve.
[00:42:37] Being customer-obsessed, addressing small jobs, and maintaining a culture of integrity and fair pricing.
[00:44:16] The importance of doing pro bono work.
[00:47:20] The qualities and characteristics that contribute to becoming an entrepreneur.
[00:50:24] Advice on staying the course, investing in oneself and finding the right partner in life and business.
[00:54:59] The experience of running a difficult race and how it can lead to personal growth and confronting internal issues.
[00:57:35] The importance of investing in skills, embracing uncomfortable situations, and finding solace and confidence in tackling challenges.
[00:59:38] Emphasis on the role of gratitude in finding happiness, overcoming difficult times, and appreciating the moments of joy in life.
Episode Resources:
Website | WPIC
Todd Embley | Twitter
