- Find What You Don’t Want – Often, knowing what you don’t want helps you define what you truly need.
- Great Leaders Coach, Not Just Advise – Coaching encourages accountability and actionable solutions.
- Vision and Mission are Essential – Effective branding and culture thrive on clarity of vision and a dedication to living your mission.
Highlights from the Episode
Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Family
Trevor shared the three pivotal lessons he learned early on:
- Identify Your Non-Negotiables: Before he ever wanted to be an entrepreneur, Trevor was clear on what he didn’t want, which helped him eventually identify his purpose.
- Prioritize Customer Experience: Going above and beyond for customers has always been his approach.
- Go All In: After dabbling post-college, Trevor realized entrepreneurship was his calling and committed fully.
"I decided I would give myself a year to figure out this thing called entrepreneurship. If I truly can’t figure it out, then I’ll get a day job. But I know I would regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t try." - Trevor Mauch
Why Trevor Advocates for Bootstrapping Over Venture Capital
Trevor’s approach to funding is rooted in independence and a customer-first mentality:
- Customer Funding is the Best Funding: High-value products mean customers are willing to invest upfront.
- Sell the Solution, Not Just the Idea: Trevor advises creating an initial product that directly addresses customer needs, allowing profits to fund future growth.
- Avoid VC Pressure: Taking on capital often means giving up control and adding pressure from outside stakeholders.
"If I already have profits coming in, why don’t I just invest in my scale with some of my profits and build the same thing that I would’ve with the loan?" - Trevor Mauch
Leadership Lessons from the Carrot CEO
Trevor has refined his leadership style to support the growth of his team and company:
- Delegate Results, Not Just Tasks: Effective delegation includes handing off responsibility for outcomes, not just the work itself.
- Be a Coach, Not Just a Boss: Trevor emphasizes coaching his team to be accountable for their roles.
- Provide Actionable Solutions: When team members need help, Trevor ensures they leave with clear steps to move forward.
"When delegating, don’t just hold people accountable if results aren’t met. Offer actionable steps to ensure that the goals are achieved." - Trevor Mauch
Keys to Building an Authentic Brand and Culture
Trevor’s approach to branding is deeply rooted in staying true to a mission that’s larger than any product:
- Write Down Your Non-Negotiables: Listing what you don’t want can clarify what you do want in your business.
- Focus on Purpose Over Product: While products may change, core values remain constant.
- Bring Humanity into the Brand: Encourage a work atmosphere where people relate, laugh, and connect, and ensure this spirit shows up in your branding.
"One of the best ways to find what you want is to find what you don’t want and do the opposite." - Trevor Mauch
Embracing Failure as Part of the Journey
Trevor sees failure as an integral part of growth:
- Failures Fuel Success: Behind every success lies a series of failures that taught invaluable lessons.
- Growth from Mistakes: Each failure becomes an opportunity to reframe and strengthen your approach.
- Learn from Others’ Failures, But Embrace Your Own: Observing others is helpful, but personal experience is often the best teacher.
"We’ve all been taught things intellectually, but we can’t make decisions on the fly as fast as we can until we’ve waded through the failures ourselves." - Trevor Mauch
Whether you’re a seasoned founder or a new entrepreneur, Trevor’s story is an inspiring reminder that success isn’t just about building a brand—it’s about building one that resonates, with a mission at its core.
