In this episode of Fearless Founders, Ellen, founder of Red Sage, joins us to share how she went from a self-taught graphic designer to building, growing, and selling a 20-year marketing agency. After dropping out of architecture school and working her way through five jobs in two years, Ellen taught herself design and marketing, turned down the chance to buy the agency she worked at, and started Red Sage on her own terms.
We talk about why every business needs a real business plan, how she made it through the Great Recession and Covid, what she learned from a hire that went wrong, and how she built a strong remote culture with employees across ten states. Ellen also shares her big news: she sold Red Sage on October 1st and is kicking off her next chapter with a 100-mile hike around Mont Blanc.
Plus, CEO students from across the country ask about managing different opinions on a team, whether you need a college degree, how AI fits into marketing, and the value of a great mentor. Ellen leaves them with advice every young entrepreneur should hear: simplify, lean on your network, get out of your comfort zone, and take notes.
