Category: Popular

Meet our EIRs (Entrepreneurs in Residence)

We launched our EIR program thanks to a Relentless Challenge grant awarded in 2024! EIR = Entrepreneur in Residence.

Meet the team!

Gary M. Shiffman

Gary M. Shiffman believes in helping creative and passionate founders pursue the outsized benefits of entrepreneurship in our communities. He began his career in the U.S. Navy deploying for two tours to the Gulf War, traveling the world, and serving in national security positions in the Pentagon, U.S. Senate, and as Chief of Staff at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Gary is an economist, he began DARPA-funded research and development in applications of machine learning and artificial intelligence in 2009, and co-founded two AI companies. He recently joined the faculty at Clemson University’s Powers College of Business where he teaches economics in the age of AI. He is the author of many articles and two books, including The Economics of Violence.

One of our favorite things about Gary is how he challenges founders, and our team, to think differently and dig deep to find our own answers.

Heather Hudson

Heather “The Hero” Hudson serves as the COO of Striking Brands, the parent company of well-known fitness franchises 9Round Kickboxing Fitness and I Love Kickboxing. In this role, she focuses on empowering franchise partners to reach their financial goals by fostering clear communication, optimizing operations, and creating scalable business systems.

Heather is passionate about giving back through her speaking engagements. She was the kick off keynote speaker at our Next Venture Summit in 2024! Her genuine style captivates audiences as she shares practical insights drawn from her experiences running a business and supporting entrepreneurs in the franchising world.

Heather’s superpower is never being afraid to ask questions. She brings a unique perspective to every room and conversation she is in!

Daniel Jeffords

Daniel is the newest addition the team!

Daniel Jeffords is a seasoned entrepreneur and business leader passionate about empowering founders to build transformative companies. Over the past decade, Daniel has built and scaled multiple businesses in Greenville, driving innovation and fostering economic growth. As the founder and former CTO of Earnnest, he played a pivotal role in transforming how secure real estate transactions are handled. He is now the founder and CEO of Terratory, where he continues to develop innovative solutions for service-based industries.

Daniel collaborates with visionary founders to refine strategies, unlock growth opportunities, and cultivate impactful businesses. Known for a hands-on approach, he has mentored countless entrepreneurs, emphasizing actionable insights and sustainable success. He firmly believes that Greenville’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem provides the perfect environment for innovative companies to succeed and grow. With a deep understanding of local and regional ecosystems, Daniel brings unparalleled experience to the role of Entrepreneur-in-Residence at NextGEN.

We are grateful for the experience they each bring to the table – we are seeing the direct impact they are having with founders after every meeting. Connect with us for more information!

Our EIR program launched with the help of a Relentless Challenge grant from the SC Department of Commerce. Now, we need your help to keep this impactful program going and growing. Give today!

Meet Allison Rogers: Founder of Ducklinks

Founded by Greenville attorney and full-time mother Allison Rogers, Ducklinks is redefining how parents plan enriching activities for their children. With a mission to simplify family life and provide tailored recommendations for events and activities, Ducklinks launched in Greenville on September 9, 2024. In just a few months, Allison’s vision has grown into a vibrant startup with a team of three full-time and three part-time employees, all based locally in Greenville, SC.

New to the startup world, Allison partnered with co-founder Andy Humen and joined the NextGEN and #StartupGVL communities to immerse themselves in Greenville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Early in 2024, the duo connected with Worthwhile Venture Studio, which played a pivotal role in turning their idea into reality helping them create a web-based application MVP. Ducklinks also became one of SCRA’s newest member companies, further solidifying its place in South Carolina’s innovation landscape.

More about the founders!

Andy is a former aerospace executive who led mid market companies providing avionics components and systems for military and commercial applications. He began his career as an electrical design engineer focussed on electromagnetic products and held positions including engineering management, program management, business development and general management.

Allison is an attorney with 6 years in private practice and 6 years as in-house counsel for a national transportation and logistics company. During her tenure as in-house counsel, she contributed to the company’s significant growth and diversification.

Challenges and (good) surprises

Allison has expressed both surprise and gratitude for the extensive resources and vibrant tech community in Greenville, which enabled them to progress rapidly. Within six months, they transitioned from an initial idea to a product concept, and another six months brought them from concept to MVP—a timeline that exceeded their expectations. However, the team acknowledged challenges brought on by a shifting venture capital landscape, particularly in the Southeast. This climate prompted them to temper their investment expectations and adjust the pace of their product development and marketing efforts accordingly.

Leaving the nest

Since launch, Ducklinks has focused on engaging its initial customers and gathering valuable feedback to enhance the platform’s user experience. “We’re committed to learning from our members and continually improving to better serve families in the new year,” says Allison.

One of the most heartwarming moments of 2024 for Allison was during the Ducklinks launch party when her three “Ducklinks” (her children) waddled into the room mid-speech. “They are the ‘why’ behind Ducklinks,” she shares. “Having them there to celebrate was incredibly special.”

As Ducklinks heads into 2025, the team is excited to expand its reach, enhance its product, and continue building connections within Greenville’s thriving startup community. They are very active on social media, have a regular newsletter that goes out to their subscribers, and have been featured on multiple podcasts!

Ducklinks has been diligent in utilizing many of our services like office hours, workshops, and participating in Match Day as part of Next Venture Summit! We are grateful they chose #StartupGVL to start and scale their business.

Event Recap: Breaking Barriers and Navigating Funding Pathways

On October 29th, 2024, NextGEN hosted an inspiring panel event for founders, investors, and advocates passionate about creating a more inclusive funding ecosystem. Focused on the unique challenges faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs, the panel featured diverse founders who shared personal stories, struggles, and insights from their journeys toward securing funding. Our panelists included Dayna Lee, Gustavo Nieves, LaChandra Brown, and Samantha Brown, with moderation by Cassy Electric’s CEO, Ebony Sullivan.

The Motivation and Mindset of a Founder

A central theme of the discussion was the mindset needed to navigate the often-challenging funding landscape. Panelists emphasized the importance of having a clear purpose, a drive that goes beyond financial gain. Founders shared insights on maintaining motivation, embracing tenacity, and seeking connections and support outside familiar networks to close knowledge gaps and grow as leaders. As one panelist put it, “There is no plan B” when it comes to building their businesses—a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination required.

Starting Close to Home

Panelists also spoke about starting within their immediate communities. From initial customer bases to acts of kindness that inspire others, several founders shared how grassroots efforts have fueled both business growth and community impact. These early connections helped establish strong, loyal followings and a foundation for scaling.

The Reality for Minority Founders

Unique pressures affect many minority founders, who often feel they must “bat 1,000” to secure funding and prove their ventures. With higher stakes and fewer second chances, panelists described the added pressure of needing to be “perfect,” driving home the message that resilience, excellence, and a willingness to go beyond typical networks are key to gaining access to critical resources.

Balancing Financial Risk and Livelihood

Panelists were candid about the sacrifices involved in funding their dreams, including the reality of financial risk, such as co-mingling personal funds with business expenses. Many founders acknowledged risking steady paychecks and financial stability to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions, learning to manage resources more strategically as they progressed.

The audience was provided with a list of financial items to have ready before seeking out funding, including but not limited to business and personal tax returns, personal financial statements, profit and loss statements, and personal credit history.

As one attendee noted, “As you know better, you do better”—a fitting close to a powerful event that left attendees with a deeper understanding of the hurdles and rewards of the funding journey. NextGEN extends gratitude to our partners, CommunityWorks, Greenville Chamber Minority Business Accelerator, Village Launch, and our host Flywheel for helping make this event possible.

Stay tuned for more events where we continue to elevate diverse voices and foster meaningful connections within the entrepreneurial ecosystem!

#StartupGVL wrote about Founders Forum too – check out their perspective!

NextGEN & Venture Asheville partner & awarded ARC grant!

NextGEN, alongside our partners at Venture Asheville, is thrilled to announce we’ve been awarded a one-year grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) ARISE program! This grant, with local matching funds, will enhance our efforts to empower high-impact small businesses in Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC. The timing of this partnership is critical as our friends in the Asheville area are still, and will be for months if not years, impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Through this initiative, both organizations will strengthen our delivery of the MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) program—a proven, team-based mentoring model providing structured, conflict-free guidance to company founders. Since launching VMS programs in 2015, both NextGEN and Venture Asheville have achieved remarkable results in supporting and scaling high-potential startups, making a lasting economic impact in our communities. Learn more about our mentor continuum .

What this grant means for our communities:
During the grant period starting in January 2025, we’ll be focusing on:

Enhanced Collaboration: Learning from each other’s successes and challenges to better serve our communities.
Resource Sharing: Developing shared resources for mentor education and onboarding to strengthen our programs.
Professional Development: Providing impactful training for both our staff and mentors, helping them bring even more value to entrepreneurs.
Mentor Appreciation: Recognizing the commitment and contributions of our mentors who drive positive outcomes for the businesses they support.

With this collaborative approach, we aim to build stronger, more resilient VMS mentoring programs, fostering growth and innovation in Asheville, Greenville, and beyond.

Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting journey to boost entrepreneurial success in our region! If you’re curious how to take advantage of our mentor programs, reach out either via our contact form or email!

The NextGEN Mentor Continuum

Mentorship is crucial for entrepreneurs, especially those in startups because it provides experienced guidance, a support network, and insights that can drastically improve their chances of success. Here’s why:

Knowledge and Experience: Mentors bring years of expertise and industry knowledge, helping founders navigate complex challenges that they might not yet understand. They share insights about funding, business strategy, scaling, and more.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Experienced mentors have often faced similar obstacles before, allowing them to help founders avoid common pitfalls and save both time and resources.
Networking Opportunities: Mentors can open doors to valuable connections, from investors to potential customers or business partners, expanding entrepreneurs’ professional networks.
Emotional Support: Building a startup is challenging and can be isolating. Mentors offer encouragement and an outside perspective, which helps founders stay motivated and resilient.
Objective Feedback: Unlike friends or family, mentors provide unbiased, objective advice and can offer critical, constructive feedback, helping founders refine their ideas and strategies.
Accountability and Goal Setting: Regular mentorship meetings help entrepreneurs stay on track, set achievable goals, and measure progress, which is essential for growth.

For startups, which often face high uncertainty, having a mentor can be the difference between surviving tough early stages and thriving in the long run. Mentorship programs like our VMS program offer structured, team-based guidance, making them particularly impactful by providing diverse perspectives and skill sets to support each founder’s unique journey.

The VMS program is a application-based, long-term program where we pair founders with a team of mentors that meet monthly for an extended period of time (think 2-3 years). However, not everyone is ready for that commitment! In that case, we have other options on our continuum:

Entrepreneurs-in-Residence: Our EIR Program has experienced entrepreneurs available for one-to-one meetings that are intended to dig into deeper, specific challenges founders are experiencing. These meetings can be challenging, thought-provoking, and inspiring and are available for any founder in our network.
Office Hours: Office hours are available on a first-come-first-serve sign-up basis. We bring in experts from various industries for one-to-one meetings. We currently have office hours with VentureSouth as well as legal and marketing experts.
Peer-to-Peer Mentoring: We bring together several groups of either similar-stage or similar-industry founders on a regular basis to create peer to peer mentor groups. Building community through trust, relationships, and shared experiences.

We’re proud to keep our programming free for local founders and thankful for our organizational sponsors and other supporters for allowing us to do this! If you’re curious how to take advantage of our mentor programs, reach out either via our contact form or email!

Mark Essex: From Startup Success to Community Impact

Mark Essex was just 24 years old when he embarked on a journey that would unknowingly shape the rest of his life. Reflecting on the early days, he admits, “If I had known what I was getting into, I don’t know if I would have done it.” His path was not planned, but rather a series of steps he’d taken out of necessity. “It was a gradual thing and you keep plugging along,” he says. “I’d like to tell you it was a great plan and I saw the vision, but that would be a lie. It grew out of a necessity, and we just kept doing it. There was never a grand plan.”

Karen, Mark’s wife, was the catalyst behind Netalytics and also came up with the company name. Graduating from Lander University in 1993, she secured her first job through a newspaper ad seeking a social worker with a bachelor’s degree. She initially misinterpreted the job as affiliated with the Methodist church, but quickly found herself in a methadone clinic, aiding heroin addicts. Despite her dislike of needles, Karen embraced the role, counseling addicts.

After graduating from Clemson in December 1993, Mark and Karen got married, and Mark took a job in Atlanta, where Karen found a similar job, working in a methadone clinic outside the city there. Every evening after the clinic closed, Karen and other staff would meticulously hand write labels for medications. This tedious task sparked an idea: why not create software to print the labels? Mark, being a computer science major, took on the challenge, creating a solution for $1,700 that would eventually evolve into a comprehensive electronic medical record system called Methasoft.

By the end of 1995, Mark received a call from another clinic inquiring about the software. Accepting the deal, Mark doubled the price and added a maintenance contract. It is amusing listening to Mark describe his somewhat arbitrary pricing – he charged what he thought people would pay! As demand grew, so did the software’s capabilities and client base, expanding to include clinics in North Georgia and Chattanooga by 1998.

The turn of the millennium brought both new challenges and opportunities. Mark decided to create a professional presence for his business, including a website, demo CDs, and marketing materials. Despite the post-9/11 decline in travel, Mark and Karen still attended a conference later that year, where their Windows-based solution garnered significant interest.

By the end of 2001, their business had started to grow and interest was high, and Mark was faced with a pivotal choice: to give up on his dream, or to quit his day job and spend his efforts on the software company. With no solid contracts in hand, Mark decided to pursue his dream of running a software company. Within two weeks of that decision, Netalytics developed a partnership with Cebert Pharmaceuticals, which provided them with a national sales team and marketing support. With this additional support, their client base expanded from six to thirty-four locations by the end of 2002. And, they started to grow their team.

Constantly unsure of the path ahead, Mark and Karen navigated numerous personal and professional challenges. Ultimately, at the end of 2002, they decided to return to the Greenville area, to live closer to family.

At this point in time, the software had evolved from a simple label marker to an advanced EMR system tailored for the high volume, regulation-intensive opioid treatment industry. By 2003, with the recent release of Microsoft’s .NET framework platform, Mark hired some additional developers to further upgrade their system, trying to be the technology leader in the industry, leading to the release of the new Methasoft .NET platform in 2006. This was the turning point for the product and the growth of the business.
Around 2007, Mark was invited to join the NEXT ecosystem, and Mark realized that NEXT could benefit all types of companies, so he joined the program. They were now not only closer to family, but he was now able to learn from others in the community while giving back.

After continual growth year over year, the next significant step in their journey was in 2017 when a banker approached Mark about selling their business. Initially reluctant, various events over the next couple of years changed their minds. By 2019, they were prepared to sell. Throughout the acquisition process, mentorship from organizations like BlueInc Strategies and NEXT VMS mentors provided invaluable support. After a long extensive process, they made a deal with a private equity firm in February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut everything down.

After almost 3 years of working under the private equity group, Mark informed the leadership in November of 2022 of his desire to retire within a year. This set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to the sale of Netalytics to a strategic partner in October 2023. With Mark and Karen no longer a part of the ownership of the company, Karen retired in January 2024, with Mark following shortly thereafter in April 2024.

Upon retiring from Netalytics, Karen and Mark were not done. They went on to establish the Indigo Hope Foundation, aiding homelessness, addiction, at-risk youth, veterans, and first responders.

Now exploring AI and mentorship roles, Mark remains committed to giving back to the community that supported him along his process. Reflecting on his journey, Mark’s advice to others is as follows: “You have to make the time for mentorship. And do the work to engage. It will more than makeup for the time spent. If you’re not coachable, then you can’t do it.”

He highlights his greatest challenge as managing people. Some employees were great throughout the journey and constantly reliable, and upon the private equity sale, he was able to reward his long-term employees with significant bonuses. However, he also struggled with employees who he had to micromanage along the way, highlighting this as a significant and time consuming struggle.

Mark cherishes the early years of his business. Recalling his small, dedicated team that got them to where they are today. His story epitomizes a “20-year overnight success,” rooted in resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to problem-solving and the ever-changing market.

Today, as Mark figures out his schedule and further explores the Indigo Hope Foundation daily requirements, he hopes to one day serve as a mentor in the NextGEN VMS program, training the next generation of innovators, and remaining deeply engaged in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greenville and the Upstate.

June Founders Forum: Fortnite to Factories – Understanding the Metaverse

June 26th at the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), professionals and curious minds gathered for the June Founders Forum. During the two-hour event, attendees immersed themselves in the future of technology, specifically, the fields of AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and the metaverse.

Moderated by Jon Curtis, the panel featured numerous technology experts from BMW Group: Dave Breeze, Innovation Design Lead; Alex Schlesner, a Clemson Innovation Fellow; Marcin Ziolkowski, Emerging Technologies Manager; and Brent Westmoreland, IT Director.

The panel kicked off by exploring the two types of digital experience: augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Breeze explained, “AR augments what’s real in your world, overlaying information seamlessly. On the other hand, VR offers a fully immersive experience, transporting users to entirely virtual realms.” Beyond gaming and entertainment, the panel emphasized the use of VR for training, visualization, and enhanced communication.

The term “metaverse” was mentioned frequently throughout. Metaverse was popularized by Meta (formerly Facebook), representing a digital universe where virtual and physical worlds collide. Schlesner painted the picture, “The idea is that we will basically have a virtual version of ourselves in the form of an avatar where we can communicate with others all over the world…The concept is that we can be together when we’re physically apart.”

While we’re getting closer to a world where the metaverse becomes reality, we’re not quite there yet. The panelists mentioned the Apple Vision Pro as the current leader in VR technology, highlighting some of the current drawbacks. Westmoreland compared the Apple Vision Pro to the iPod shuffle, the first iteration of an advanced future.

While there are exciting things to come with the technological advancements, the audience had some questions about societal and regulatory impacts. Ziolkowski reflected on the impact that technology has on government regulations, “Government policies are influenced by societal reactions. We need to consider how these technologies will integrate into our daily lives and what safeguards are necessary.”

Based on their various expertise, the panelists were able to explain a future where devices will integrate into our daily lives, enhancing our productivity and connectivity. They mentioned a time in the near future when a form of wearable technology will replace the traditional gadgets we carry around today like watches, phones, and computers, streamlining tasks and interactions.

As the panel came to a close, the audience was buzzing about the possibilities of the future. We were left with a closing remark from our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Gary Shiffman, tying the Forum back to startup founders. Shiffman shared that founders need to be aware of this emerging technology and become early adopters because this is the future, and adopting technological advances will improve efficiency and productivity in their workplace.

This Founders Forum gave us a sneak peek into the journey of the multiverse, which is just beginning. Preparing the audience for a future where virtual and real-life blend into one offering new connections, collaborations, and possibilities.

Excited to Announce Accelerator Cohort 3!

NextGEN has kicked off Cohort 3 of its Accelerator program! This program aims to grow and scale some of the region’s high-potential startups by providing dedicated resources for their specific challenges. For Cohort 3, we are excited about new companies and a new format. New additions to the program include a custom curriculum designed by NextGEN, mentors/coaches for each team that meets the needs of their startup, and access to the network of resources available to them in our city. Subject matter experts, experienced founders, and local business leaders will lead the curriculum alongside Program Manager, These 5 companies and program leaders will work alongside each other to build a growth plan to take their startups to the next level with sessions dedicated to product market fit, sales and marketing, hiring to scale, funding, and more.

The program kicked off on Wednesday, May 22 with a happy hour at Pangaea Brewing and the first class began June 3, 2024.

“I’ve been a part of multiple programs and while those were all good in their own respect, this program was much more impactful. I guess that’s clear since I’m moving my family and business here [from Florence, SC]. But, there was really no hesitation on my part because we founders need a network of support and without a doubt this is where I need to be.” – Mike Smith, Custom Donations, Cohort 1 Graduate

The program culminates on stage at the Next Venture Summit on September 18, 2024 where the cohort companies will share their pitches.

Meet Cohort 3:

Drobot – Founder, Stinj Van de Velde – Drobot has created a robot for warehouses that interacts with humans and works based on GPS and devices workers can put in their pockets. Robots can pull pallets, get X from Employee A, and more. Currently piloting, they are aiming to manufacture the final product in 2024.
Lark PM – Founder, Eric Fragoso: Fragoso created software for the construction company he owns to be able to quickly price out a job and generate a list of materials needed. He is launching the MVP and looking to expand the reach through the Accelerator program.
Knotty Paws – Founder, Wei Wei Huang: A 2024 finalist of the Hill Institute’s GVL Starts program, Huang has created a company that makes sustainable dog rope toys with a focus on B2B growth. 90% of Knotty Paws’ customers are in SC and they are looking to expand to other states. Knotty Pas has over 60 versions of their toys.
SplitEV – Founder, Abi Odugbesan: SplitEV wants to be the Airbnb of EV Charging. Customers can list their personal EV chargers on this platform and users pay a fee to have access to the entire network of chargers. SplitEV has launched its MVP and has 198 locations across the US, a pilot with Alabama Power, a Pilot w/ National Franchise, and 115 drivers. SplitEV was in Techstars Alabama Energy Tech Accelerator and is relocating to Greenville, SC.
Zest Vodka – Founder, Justin Buchanan – Currently, Zest Vodka has a lemon-flavored vodka product and is launching a lime flavor in 2024. They are currently in over 150+ stores in SC and Florida. Buchanan relocated here from Charleston and manufactures locally at Six and Twenty Distillery. He and his partners started off with a Rum Brand that they also still run.

“I’m thrilled to join the NextGEN Startup Accelerator as it offers an invaluable opportunity for Susu Lend, a fintech dedicated to serving the credit invisible. Connecting with local support and resources is incredibly important during our pilot program launch. This local engagement fuels my excitement and allows us to deeply connect with the community we aim to serve, strengthening our foundational launch.” – Pedro Escobar, Susu Lend, Cohort 2 graduate

The companies in Cohort 1 saw a direct impact from participation in the NextGEN Accelerator. Three companies, Pixlmob, WAVS, and Vicinity, all received funding from Founderville.vc which was announced on stage at the 2023 NEXT Venture Summit. Custom Donations from Cohort 1 received funding from SCRA in 2024. From Cohort 2, Rebel Rabbit and Incora Health have also received funding in 2024.

Cohort members and their journeys will be featured across NextGEN’s social media during their time in the program. To learn more about these companies, visit https://www.instagram.com/nextgengvl/.

About NextGEN

NextGEN is a non-profit entrepreneurial support organization that attracts and helps grow high-impact, knowledge-based companies by developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Greenville, SC and connecting entrepreneurs to it. Our mission is to identify, engage, and provide support for high-growth entrepreneurs and their teams as they build scaling, investor-ready companies through programming, connections and support whether just starting out or well on their way.

For more information, visit www.nextgengvl.org

Kamber Parker Bowden – THE YoPro Know Journey

On the “right” path

After graduating from Furman University, Kamber Parker Bowden embarked on her professional career with the “right path” ahead of her. Graduate, get a job, and be an adult. She moved to Chattanooga, TN to start on the first rung of the corporate ladder. It wasn’t long before she realized that her true calling lay beyond the confines of traditional employment.

Working just 10 months at her corporate job, Kamber realized that many of her friends, even those who were older and on their second and third career moves, were experiencing dissatisfaction and frustration in the workplace. Why? Moving back to Greenville to work for a small non-profit, she began digging into this question. Kamber started a blog as a creative outlet, interviewing other young professionals. Working for a small nonprofit provided Kamber with a much better work-life balance even though it came with a pay cut. This also provided flexibility for her “side hustle.” For two years, Kamber posted an interview every single week.

Little did she know that this humble blog would lay the foundation for YoPro Know—a platform that would redefine her trajectory and impact countless lives in the process.

From chaos and uncertainty to impact

Fast forward to 2020; Covid happens. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the times, Kamber found herself presented with an opportunity to pivot and expand her platform’s reach through the power of podcasting. The YoPro Know Podcast was born—where she could amplify the voices of young professionals and provide meaningful dialogue and connection in a virtual landscape.

After two years of collecting stories from young professionals, or “YoPros”,, Kamber realized there were overlapping themes and messages she was hearing from young professionals. Her network started pointing out the quality of her data and encouraged her to use it. Monetize it! But how? The first model was offering memberships to young professionals, but she quickly learned there was not enough individual interest based on the size of her audience at the time. She needed to pivot.

Surround yourself with mentors

Kamber has always surrounded herself with mentors and it was one of those mentors that suggested she sell her content to companies instead. In 2021 she got her first company clients. A handful of remarkable leaders played a pivotal role in her journey, providing valuable experience and testimonials as she developed her consulting services aimed at helping employers develop strategies to attract and retain young professionals. With the support of several key clients, she reached a milestone enabling her to transition to full-time entrepreneurship in the summer of 2022.

However, as Kamber navigated the uncharted waters of entrepreneurship, she encountered her fair share of challenges and setbacks. The pressures of entrepreneurship, coupled with the relentless pursuit of success, challenged Kamber and led to what she calls “the emotional rollercoaster that is entrepreneurship”. She says, most entrepreneurs will know what she means there!

“The first 6 months of entrepreneurship were really tough for me. Some months I really did ask myself, what am I doing this for? It was lonely and sometimes depressing, which I am open about, but I always remembered what I was here for – and that really got me through.”

Entrepreneurship and mental health

Entrepreneurs face higher rates of depression and anxiety, often attributed to the stress, isolation, and financial pressures of running a business. Despite these challenges, the stigma surrounding mental health can deter entrepreneurs from seeking support, impacting both their well-being and business success.

Kamber feels like founders face a dilemma between prioritizing self-care and managing the demands of running a business. She incorporates yoga and running into her routine and relies on her husband, family, and friends for support to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Recognizing the importance of relationships and well-being, she tries to prioritize her health, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of her life. She shares how fortunate she is that her now-husband was all-in on her business from their very first date, even acting as a financial coach at times, his area of expertise.

“Mentoring is why I have gotten where I am. I don’t think that this would be the case if I lived somewhere other than Greenville, where senior leaders are genuinely interested in paying it forward and offer to buy someone you look up to a coffee – I was always taken aback by how willing people are to meet with me and hope I have the chance to do the same one day”

She credits her mentors with getting where she is today citing various programs like Pacesetters with the Chamber of Commerce and NextGEN’s VMS program. Mentors like Tim Justice, Minor Shaw, and Derek Pederson have played pivotal roles in shaping her business decisions. She learned of NextGEN in 2022 and pitched for the VMS program shortly after taking her business full-time. She remembers thinking, are you sure it’s free?! At that time one of her biggest struggles was loneliness. After finding the local entrepreneur ecosystem and meeting more and more people, she realized she did not have to go it alone. She also wants to shout out her NextGEN VMS mentors today: Ken Brower, Jo Hackl, and Michael Mino.

What’s next for YoPro Know?

As for where Kamber and YoPro Know are today? Well, their challenges are constantly changing, and there are a lot more successes today than there used to be! They are looking to scale and continue to build their team of nine. With such a “hot topic” as their focus (young professional recruitment and retention) there is a wealth of future opportunity and her team is right at the cusp of big goals that were set at the company’s beginning. She is focused on creating a business where people love to work, working with the strengths of her team. Her people want flexibility and Kamber provides that flexibility as well as the opportunity to shape their own dream job.

“We have to practice what we preach, right? Once you find good people, work towards what they can own and create.” Trust her, she’s the expert!

When we asked what excites her when she gets up in the morning, there was a litany of things! Speaking, consulting, strategy, helping small to mid-sized businesses, and ultimately the impact she gets to make daily. YoPro Know is at the crux of a big problem in their society. Companies are not engaging younger generations in a way that maximizes that talent. YPK has a huge potential impact that will be measurable in the future and we will all see it. “Young professionals are the future of our workforce. If we don’t tap into their strengths and develop them now – with an aging workforce and declining birthrate – we’re going to face some major challenges ahead.”

Kamber can’t see her life without YoPro Know. It’s funny looking back because she did not get A’s in her college public speaking class and now gets paid to do just that. Where she and YPK are today is not at all what she envisioned in 2018 and the path has not always been smooth, but for those of you who have met Kamber at the many networking and ecosystem events she attends, you know she is doing what she is meant to do and she will have a long-lasting impact.

Want to learn more about YoPro Know? Check out their website! https://yoproknow.com/

We asked a bunch of CEO’s for their best advice about starting a business.

Navigating the path of entrepreneurship is no walk in the park, and that’s exactly why we gathered insights from our seasoned founders during our recent monthly meetup. As we delve into their candid advice, it’s crucial to recognize that the entrepreneurial journey is a rollercoaster – highs, lows, twists, and turns. But hey, isn’t that what makes the ride exhilarating?

Our founders have been there, done that, and are graciously sharing their pearls of wisdom. Buckle up and let’s explore their unfiltered advice on what every aspiring business owner should ponder before taking the plunge.

1. Accountability Matters: “Find someone or find somebody to hold you accountable.” The entrepreneurial road is often winding, and having a support system ensures you stay on track when the going gets tough.

2. Stress Check: “Sit down and evaluate how much stress you can take over the next couple of years.” Recognize that entrepreneurship comes with its fair share of stress. Be honest with yourself about your capacity to handle it.

3. Customer-Centric Approach: “Don’t be afraid to ask your customers why and get feedback.” Your customers hold the key to your success. Engage with them, ask for feedback, and turn them into sales advocates.

4. Problem Solving for Profit: “Find a customer, solve their problems, and make money.” Start with the problem and the customer. Innovation is great, but it needs to translate into profitability.

5. Define Your Why: “Know your why.” Understanding why you’re in this game is crucial for navigating both the peaks and valleys. It’s more than just making money; it’s about purpose.

6. Build a Complementary Team: “Find someone as dedicated to you that can help and has complementary skills.” Being a lone wolf is tough. Surround yourself with a team that complements your skills and dedication.

7. Measure What Matters: “Pick two things to measure that define your business success.” Focus on meaningful metrics and measure them frequently. Don’t overwhelm yourself; simplicity is key in the early stages.

8. Are You Sure?: “Ask yourself: are you sure you want to do this?” Dip your toes in; test the waters. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Assess your commitment and, when the opportunity strikes, embrace a little bit of well-timed luck.

In closing, remember, these insights are not meant to discourage but to empower. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and keep pushing forward. The entrepreneurial journey is an adventure – an unpredictable and rewarding ride that molds not only your business but also you as a resilient and dynamic individual. Here’s to your journey and the success that awaits you!

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