Podcast Summary: Your Next Move – "How to Integrate Your Worklife As a Founder"
Introduction and Background
In this episode of Your Next Move, host Sarah Lynch engages in an insightful conversation with Javon Fraser, the founder and CEO of Maestro Media. Recognized as the number 167 company on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, Maestro Media is renowned for creating bespoke games for prominent brands such as Disney, Hello Kitty, and The Smurfs. Additionally, they have successfully collaborated with indie video game The Binding of Isaac, transforming it into an independent board game through fan collaboration and Kickstarter campaigns.
Growth Journey
Javon begins by highlighting Maestro Media's impressive growth trajectory, reporting a staggering 2,300% growth over the past three years [01:22]. He attributes this success to strategic partnerships and a commitment to delivering unique gaming experiences. However, such rapid expansion has come with its set of challenges, forcing the company to continuously evolve its systems and processes to keep pace with growth demands.
Challenges Faced During COVID
Launching Maestro Media during the COVID-19 pandemic presented significant obstacles, especially in the realm of physical goods manufacturing. Javon shares the difficulties of managing shipping issues and the complexities of dealing with international manufacturers remotely.
“We had all the shipping issues. I wired seven figures to a manufacturer in China before I even met him. It was a very crazy time.” [03:03]
The pandemic necessitated a shift from traditional in-person oversight to remote management via Zoom, complicating quality control and manufacturing processes. Despite these hurdles, Javon emphasizes the enduring growth of the board game industry post-COVID, driven by the desire for family bonding through games.
“Having games as a way to bring families together… board games really became the way that we bonded and had our experiences.” [02:56]
Kickstarter Experience
Maestro Media's Kickstarter campaigns have been pivotal in their growth. Javon discusses the launch and fulfillment challenges, particularly with their high-profile projects like The Binding of Isaac: Four Souls Requiem.
“We launched that in June of '21 and delivered in '23… manufacturing over Zoom is very tough.” [03:03]
The extended fulfillment period underscores the difficulties of ensuring quality without physical presence. Despite these delays, Javon remains committed to maintaining strong customer relationships and delivering high-quality products.
“The number one thing for a company that's a new company like myself is to make sure that we maintain that customer relationship.” [03:03]
Hiring and Building the Team
As Maestro Media scaled, hiring the right talent became crucial. Javon emphasizes the importance of attracting individuals who thrive in a dynamic, startup environment where processes are continually evolving.
“People that are excited about defining that process… it's a fun space to be in.” [08:58]
He sought out professionals from reputable companies like Hasbro and Pandasaurus, valuing their expertise in shaping Maestro Media’s growth. Bringing on board a seasoned COO, Eric Bertrand, has been instrumental in providing the necessary structure to support their rapid expansion.
“Getting a great COO with 20 years of investment banking experience… help to provide those structures.” [08:35]
Work-Life Integration
A significant focus of the conversation is Javon’s approach to work-life integration. Transitioning from a high-demand corporate role to founding Maestro Media was motivated by his desire to spend more time with his family. Javon shares personal strategies to balance business growth with family commitments.
“I'm not a big fan of the term work-life balance. I'm more so work-life integration.” [08:58]
He involves his family in the business, bringing them along on trips and integrating family time with work responsibilities. This integration not only strengthens family bonds but also enriches the company culture.
“My family's at the conference, they come with me on trips… they feel like a part of the process.” [08:58]
Javon prioritizes family activities, ensuring he never misses dinner with his kids or their extracurricular events, even if it means sacrificing sleep or altering work schedules.
“No matter what happens, I want to have dinner with my kids.” [12:22]
Prioritization and Time Management
Managing an ever-increasing workload requires effective prioritization. Javon structures his day by first addressing personal commitments, ensuring that family time is non-negotiable before tackling business tasks.
“I start off with like the things that are most important outside of the company… sitting down to have dinner with your family.” [12:33]
In the business realm, projects are prioritized based on deadlines and pressing timelines. As Maestro Media continues to expand from one game to twenty-one, developing sustainable processes and bringing in the right people are key to managing ongoing growth.
“Developing a sustainable process to manage from one game to 21 games… we're in the midst of developing those processes.” [12:33]
Advice for Fellow Founders
Towards the end of the episode, Javon offers poignant advice to entrepreneurs navigating their growth journeys:
“Don’t lose why you're doing it. Constantly define your North Star of the reason why you started this business.” [14:33]
He emphasizes the importance of staying connected to personal motivations, such as family, to prevent burnout and maintain passion for the business. By keeping sight of their foundational goals, founders can better navigate the daily challenges and remain resilient.
“Don't lose sight of the reason why you're doing it… it's so easy to lose sight of that.” [14:33]
Conclusion
Javon Fraser’s journey with Maestro Media exemplifies the triumphs and tribulations of scaling a business in a dynamic industry. From overcoming pandemic-induced manufacturing challenges to fostering a family-integrated company culture, his experiences provide valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. The episode underscores the significance of maintaining personal priorities, building a strong team, and staying true to foundational motivations amidst rapid growth.
Notable Quotes
- “We had all the shipping issues. I wired seven figures to a manufacturer in China before I even met him.” — Javon Fraser [03:03]
- “Board games really became the way that we bonded and had our experiences.” — Javon Fraser [02:56]
- “People that are excited about defining that process… it's a fun space to be in.” — Javon Fraser [08:58]
- “Don’t lose why you're doing it. Constantly define your North Star of the reason why you started this business.” — Javon Fraser [14:33]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Javon Fraser’s discussion on integrating work and life as a founder, shedding light on the strategic, operational, and personal facets of leading a rapidly growing business.