The Unshakeables: A Fresh Perspective with Fresh Bloom Bins

Episode Title: A Fresh Perspective: Fresh Bloom Bins
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business
Guest: Tia Johnson, Founder and CEO of Fresh Bloom Bins
Co-Guest: Desmond Bryant, Vice President of Government Relations at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Unshakeables, host Ben Walter delves into the entrepreneurial journey of Tia Johnson, the visionary behind Fresh Bloom Bins, a Columbus-based company specializing in the cleaning of dumpsters and trash cans. Joined by Desmond Bryant from the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the conversation unpacks the hurdles faced by small business owners and the resilience required to overcome them.

Identifying the Problem and Initial Inspiration

Ben Walter kicks off the episode by highlighting how some of the best business ideas stem from unserved needs. He introduces Tia Johnson, whose frustration with dirty trash cans at home ignited her entrepreneurial spirit.

Ben Walter [00:07]:
"Some of the best business ideas come from an unserved need. You have a problem and you come up with a solution."

Tia Johnson [00:26]:
"I get outside and the trash can is disgusting. It has all of the flies, the maggots in, the odors."

Her firsthand experience with maintaining cleanliness and the challenge of motivating her teenagers led her to recognize a broader market need. Tia approached her local representative with a pilot program proposal, which the city accepted, awarding her a contract to clean trash cans and dumpsters across Columbus in the spring.

Tia Johnson [00:47]:
"I would honestly say after getting that contract, I absolutely thought the company would be successful. Like, how can you lose?"

Facing the Unexpected Setback

As winter gave way to warmer weather, Tia awaited an update from the city. However, the news was not what she had hoped for. During a Zoom call, she was informed that her contract was being canceled, leaving her without the primary source of revenue.

Tia Johnson [01:08]:
"Just thinking about it makes me relive that moment and all I could think about is, I can't let them see me cry... I got off the Zoom and I bawled my eyes out because I had no idea where our next dollar would come from."

This devastating moment marked a critical juncture in Tia's entrepreneurial journey, testing her resolve and determination.

Discussion on Mentorship and Support Systems

Ben introduces Desmond Bryant, who emphasizes the importance of mentorship and support for small business owners facing challenges.

Desmond Bryant:
"When a small business owner has this seed of an idea, it's important they seek out as much advice and mentorship as they can... there are a slew of things that the chamber does." [07:06]

Ruby, another co-host, adds insights on effective mentorship and the fluctuating nature of government budgets, which can impact pilot programs and contracts.

Ruby [08:27]:
"In Tia's situation, I'm happy that she was able to acquire that contract... when it comes to landing a contract with the government, yeah, they're going to ask you from various questions..."

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The COVID-19 pandemic further strained Tia's circumstances, causing her business revenue to plummet as her teaching roles were disrupted.

Tia Johnson [08:40]:
"2020 hits, right? School shut down and I lose 60% of my revenue because it was all in person."

With limited options, Tia revisited her Fresh Bloom Bins concept with renewed determination.

Tia Johnson [08:56]:
"I will never let anyone kill my dreams again."

She swiftly pivoted her business model from targeting single-family homes to focusing on government and corporate clients, leveraging the increased emphasis on sanitation during the pandemic.

Tia Johnson [09:06]:
"Everybody's talking about cleaning and sanitation right now."

Securing the Truck and Scaling Operations

One of the pivotal moments in Tia's journey was acquiring a specialized truck essential for her service. Despite initial financing rejections due to her lack of experience in the trucking industry, Tia secured an investor who believed in her vision.

Tia Johnson [11:56]:
"Each truck is about $120,000. They deny me financing for this truck... He actually gets my truck financed. I go to Arizona, catch a flight, I have a CDL driver come out there with me."

After transporting the truck from Arizona to Ohio, Tia met her project deadlines by November 2020, successfully executing the cleaning services and securing additional contracts.

Tia Johnson [13:03]:
"We started at the end of the year. So it's November, the temperatures are starting to drop... we killed it. Like they loved it."

Navigating Contract Cancellations and Finding New Opportunities

Despite initial successes, another setback emerged when the city of Columbus decided to discontinue the pilot program due to funding reallocations, leaving Tia's business in jeopardy once again.

Tia Johnson [14:23]:
"Can you fix this problem? Yes, I'm gonna fix it... we have to move forward... due to funding, we're no longer moving forward with this project."

Feeling defeated, Tia grappled with financial instability, as her only contract was abruptly canceled.

Tia Johnson [16:48]:
"It was the only contract that I had at that time, and I had no idea how I was going to survive."

Bouncing Back with Strategic Partnerships

Refusing to succumb to adversity, Tia sought out new opportunities by reaching out to a waste hauler facing negative publicity. Her proactive approach led to a crucial demonstration that revitalized her business prospects.

Tia Johnson [23:22]:
"We go out, we do the demonstration... He says, will you guys travel? And I say, yeah, we travel."

This strategic partnership resulted in cleaning over 3,000 trash cans within a year, significantly boosting her revenue by 300%.

Tia Johnson [24:26]:
"We cleaned over 3,000 containers that year with that particular waste hauler... increase our revenue by 300%."

Expanding and Diversifying the Business

Building on her initial success, Tia expanded Fresh Bloom Bins to include trash can delivery and composting services. She also focused on community engagement by hiring individuals from vulnerable neighborhoods, including those who were formerly incarcerated.

Tia Johnson [27:58]:
"We work with London Correctional... inmates... turn it into compost... sell it to the community for community gardens."

Her commitment to social responsibility not only strengthened community ties but also provided meaningful employment opportunities.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her journey, Tia shares invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs:

1. Embrace a Balance of Naivety and Research: Tia advises being "a little naive, but not blind naive," advocating for thorough research to build a sustainable business foundation.

   Tia Johnson [31:12]:
   "Be a little naive, but not blind naive... do a little homework... digging to make sure that you can build something that you can be proud of."

2. Know Your Numbers: Understanding financial metrics is crucial for business viability.

   Tia Johnson [31:42]:
   "Know your numbers. I don't care how passionate you are about the cookies, the cakes, the pies, the trash can cleaning... understand what questions to ask."

3. Resilience and Adaptability: Persisting through setbacks and remaining adaptable to changing circumstances are key to long-term success.

   Ben Walter [32:14]:
   "A mentor of mine once taught me that revenue is vanity, but profit is sanity."

Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

As the episode wraps up, Ben Walter highlights the continued growth and diversification of Fresh Bloom Bins, emphasizing Tia’s commitment to community and environmental sustainability. He also teases the upcoming second season of The Unshakeables, promising more inspiring stories from small business owners across America.

Ben Walter [32:30]:
"We have so many more incredible small business stories from across America and I can't wait for you to hear them."

Conclusion

This episode of The Unshakeables serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of small business owners like Tia Johnson. Her story underscores the importance of resilience, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community values. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Tia's journey offers both inspiration and practical insights into navigating the unpredictable landscape of small business ownership.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Walter [00:07]:
  "Some of the best business ideas come from an unserved need."

• Tia Johnson [01:08]:
  "I can't let them see me cry... I bawled my eyes out because I had no idea where our next dollar would come from."

• Desmond Bryant [07:06]:
  "The chamber... connects, communicates, and convenes to support the business community."

• Tia Johnson [31:12]:
  "Be a little naive, but not blind naive... do a little homework."

• Ben Walter [32:14]:
  "Revenue is vanity, but profit is sanity."

Join us next season as we continue to uncover the unshakeable stories of small business heroes shaping their communities every day.