Podcast Summary: The GaryVee Audio Experience – "Curiosity, Lobsters, and Building a Brand That Lasts" with Mark Murrell
Release Date: December 3, 2024
In this engaging episode of The GaryVee Audio Experience, host Gary Vaynerchuk sits down with Mark Murrell, the founder of Get Maine Lobster and Black Point Seafood. The conversation delves deep into Mark's entrepreneurial journey, the intricacies of the lobster business, the importance of curiosity, and building a sustainable brand. Below is a detailed summary of their discussion, highlighting key points, insightful exchanges, and notable quotes with timestamps.
1. Introduction
Mike from Team Gary Vee kicks off the episode by introducing Gary and Mark, emphasizing their discussion on starting a business in the late '90s and early 2000s, overcoming challenges, creativity, and customer experience.
Mike [00:03]:
"Gary and Mark really dive into what it was like starting a business back in the late '90s, early 2000s, and some of the challenges they had to overcome."
Gary begins with a message on gratitude, urging listeners to focus on the positive aspects of their lives before introducing Mark.
2. Mark’s Background and Early Life
Mark Murrell shares his upbringing, moving from Tampa, Florida, to Auburn, Maine, at the age of six due to his mother's discomfort with Florida's climate and culture.
Mark [01:07]:
"I was born in Tampa, Florida... moved to Maine when I was six."
They discuss Auburn's rural setting in 1978, contrasting it with the present-day growth, including malls and restaurants.
Mark [03:05]:
"Football, basketball, baseball... learned my grit from there."
3. Early Entrepreneurial Ventures
Mark reflects on his high school days, wanting to become a writer, and his early forays into entrepreneurship, including selling T-shirts with his father.
Mark [05:35]:
"I love telling stories."
Despite initial failures, such as the T-shirt business, Mark emphasizes the importance of timing in entrepreneurship.
4. Transition to the Internet and Web Design
In 1995, Mark explores the burgeoning internet landscape. He recounts his attempts to build websites using tools like Dreamweaver and Adobe, positioning himself as an early adopter in Maine where few others had web presence.
Mark [10:18]:
"I could build websites... no one else knew nothing."
Gary underscores Mark's insight:
Gary [11:25]:
"When you know something, even if you don't know a lot of it, but nobody else knows, then you're the smartest person in the room."
5. Starting Get Maine Lobster
Mark discusses the inception of Get Maine Lobster in 2009, leveraging platforms like Groupon and LivingSocial to initiate demand. Emphasizing direct-to-consumer sales, Mark highlights the significance of customer experience in establishing a loyal customer base.
Mark [30:19]:
"We only did that for two years."
6. Growth and Scaling of the Business
The conversation shifts to the exponential growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Mark's company experienced a 600% surge in 2020. He attributes this growth to strategic ad buying and scaling infrastructure to meet increased demand.
Mark [32:00]:
"We grew 600% in 2020."
Gary connects this to broader market trends:
Gary [25:13]:
"People want healthier, cleaner, better products and they're willing to pay a premium for it."
7. Challenges and Industry Insights
Mark provides an insider's view of the lobster industry, discussing sustainable practices, regulatory challenges, and the dynamics of supply and demand. He explains the concept of "boat price" and how major buyers like grocery chains influence pricing.
Mark [19:40]:
"Consumer demand... it's called boat price."
They also touch upon the logistical challenges of shipping live lobsters, ensuring product quality upon arrival.
Mark [24:57]:
"If anybody comes to the wharf... he's super duper spry."
8. Expansion to Black Point Seafood
Expanding beyond lobsters, Mark introduces Black Point Seafood, a subscription-based service offering a variety of seafood, including salmon, cod, scallops, and oysters. This diversification aims to cater to a broader market while maintaining high-quality standards.
Mark [34:00]:
"Blackpointseafood.com... great seafood."
9. Importance of Curiosity and Execution
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the role of curiosity in entrepreneurship. Mark asserts that curiosity is the most important ingredient for success, while Gary emphasizes the necessity of executing ideas effectively.
Mark [37:34]:
"Curiosity is the number one most important ingredient of all things."
Gary [11:07]:
"Don't be like Alex in Scapegate and do the wrong thing."
10. Conclusion and Final Remarks
As the episode wraps up, Gary encourages listeners to explore Get Maine Lobster and Black Point Seafood's websites and engage with them on social media. Mark reiterates the importance of customer experience and maintaining high standards in their offerings.
Mark [42:09]:
"Blackpointseafood.com... great seafood."
Gary closes with a heartfelt appreciation of Mark's commitment to quality and customer service.
Notable Quotes
- Mark [05:35]: "I love telling stories."
- Gary [11:25]: "When you know something, even if you don't know a lot of it, but nobody else knows, then you're the smartest person in the room."
- Mark [32:00]: "We grew 600% in 2020."
- Mark [37:34]: "Curiosity is the number one most important ingredient of all things."
Key Takeaways
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Entrepreneurial Spirit: Mark's journey illustrates the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning in building a successful business.
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Direct-to-Consumer Model: Leveraging platforms like Groupon was pivotal in establishing early demand for Get Maine Lobster, showcasing the effectiveness of innovative marketing strategies.
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Customer Experience: Emphasizing exceptional customer service fosters loyalty and drives sustainable growth, a principle both Gary and Mark advocate strongly.
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Sustainability and Quality: In the seafood industry, maintaining high standards and sustainable practices ensures product quality and customer trust.
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Curiosity and Execution: A blend of innate curiosity and disciplined execution is essential for turning ideas into successful ventures.
About Mark Murrell
Mark Murrell is the founder of Get Maine Lobster and Black Point Seafood. With a passion for seafood and a keen entrepreneurial mindset, Mark has successfully navigated the challenges of the direct-to-consumer market, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and exceptional customer service. His ventures continue to grow, adapting to market dynamics and expanding product offerings to meet diverse consumer needs.
Connect with Get Maine Lobster and Black Point Seafood
- Get Maine Lobster: getmainlobster.com
- Black Point Seafood: blackpointseafood.com
- Instagram: @getmainlobster
This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of curiosity, the importance of adapting to market trends, and the enduring value of exceptional customer service in building a brand that stands the test of time.