This episode of ‘CEO Bros - after hours’ details the inception, development, and operational aspects of the "CEO Bros After Hours" podcast, highlighting key strategic decisions and the team's vision for its future.
1. Introduction to the Podcast and its Hosts
The "CEO Bros After Hours" podcast features three main personalities:
Brian Balduf: Co-founder of VHT Studios, recently "retired" or, as he prefers, undergoing a "reset." This "reset" has allowed him more time to dedicate to the podcast. He was recently gifted a signed Harley Benton guitar by original members of VHT Studios, symbolizing his 27-year journey with the company.
Brad Balduf: CEO and co-founder of By Your Side Autism Therapy Services.
Matt Croke: The host and "consummate entertainer" responsible for keeping the conversation light and flowing. He sees himself as an "umpire," facilitating the discussion without being a central "CEO." Matt is also the host of a Podcast about autism therapy.
The podcast also features Amber, a sound engineering major, who serves as the behind-the-scenes production, video editing, and post-production expert.
2. The Genesis of "CEO Bros After Hours"
The podcast originated from weekly "after-hours" conversations between Brian and Brad, often over drinks, where they shared business stories and experiences.
Core Concept: The initial idea was to "catalog" these valuable, often humorous or unbelievable, business anecdotes and insights.
Target Audience: The podcast aims to provide "good content" for "aspiring entrepreneurs, people that want to start a business, people that maybe manage a department [or] manage a company."
Casual Tone: A conscious choice was made to maintain an "after hours" and "casual" atmosphere, complete with drinks, to differentiate it from a typical "job."
Team Formation:Brad suggested Matt as a host to "keep the content flowing" and "keep it light," as Brian and Brad alone might struggle to maintain a structured conversation.
Amber was brought in due to her sound engineering background and enthusiasm for the project. She handles all production, video editing, and post-production, a critical role that the hosts quickly realized they couldn't manage on their own.
3. Operational Aspects and Business Strategy
The hosts emphasize treating the podcast as a business and plan to provide regular updates on its progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Startup Costs:
Operating Expenses:Labor:
Marketing/Ad Spend:
Rent:
Trial and Error:
Content Creation:
4. Monetization and Growth Strategy
The ultimate goal is to "monetize the podcast" and make it profitable, but the hosts are not under immediate financial pressure.
Long-Term View:
Driving Views and Subscriptions:
Self-Promotion:
Leveraging personal social media, networks, and word-of-mouth.
Social Media Ad Spend:
Community Building:
Importance of Subscriptions:
5. Key Takeaways and Future Outlook
The "CEO Bros After Hours" podcast is a business venture built on personal chemistry, shared experiences, and a strategic, yet flexible, approach to growth.
Focus on Quality:
Team Collaboration:
Iterative Development:
Organic Growth:
Patience and Long-Term Vision:
The podcast plans to continue regular "evolution" updates, detailing their business progression, challenges, and successes to their audience.