Jun 13, 2017
On today’s episode, our host becomes the guest! Bill Troy turns the table to have Kevin share his lifeline. Kevin talks about how he got started with his current business, Kay-Twelve. Not only does he share his business journey, but he shares some personal stories from his life, and talks about the business’s future as well as his family’s. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways:
[:38] Kevin shares his lifeline: He grew up in Chicago with three
brothers, and had a fairly idyllic childhood. He started working
when he was about 14, and since then he’s always had a job, and
always knew he wanted to do/start his own thing. He attended Miami
University in Oxford and majored in Mass Communications.
[4:01] His first entrepreneurial experience was at Miami University
with a scholarship program that would allow students to do whatever
project they wanted, would pay money, and give credit. Kevin made a
documentary called “The Commercialization of Michael Jordan,” which
introduced him to many different facets of business, marketing, and
video production.
[6:21] He originally thought he might want to do video production,
but realized there weren’t a lot of jobs in the industry. His first
job after college was driving the Eckrich FunHouse around the
country. To further his career, he got a job selling copiers while
working on his MBA in the evenings. While struggling to figure out
what it is he really wanted to do, he went to work for a small
company that specialized in compact storage.
[10:43] This opportunity allowed him (and his business partner) to
learn new skills and make connections in the Columbus area. They
teamed up with another company and this sparked his interest in
school furniture.
[14:53] Kevin talks about his family dynamic during this time,
including a tragedy, and how his business partner helped during
this time. He also talks about the steps they took to buy out the
business they were working for so they could further their business
goals.
[17:38] Kevin joined EO during the rough year, but it brought him
into contact with other people that helped bolster their business
decisions, as well as helping him through some personal stuff in
his life. This includes his decision to buy out his business
partner, as well as the time when his wife was diagnosed with
cancer.
[20:15] The business today has come full circle. They originally
started Kay-Twelve with the intention of bringing in the ecommerce
piece. They also balance this with inside and outside sales.
Everything they do is about creating better learning
environments.
[22:14] When it comes down to it, they are selling furniture, but
they approach it as a very consultative sale, of what is the
specific learning outcome their clients are trying to achieve.
Kevin talks about the motivation behind the company, and some of
their goals to help further education. From here, they hope to
build out the national sales team — specifically hoping to grow out
in the West (Kevin is actually moving to Arizona).
[25:50] With the changes to the company coming, how can people help
Kevin with the transition? He’s already been getting connected with
some people in the EO chapter in Arizona, but his biggest concern
is ensuring that the office runs really well (both here and out
West). Kevin talks about the scope of different types of learning
they hope to accommodate.
[28:20] Kevin talks about EO moments — Many members talk about
forum, but there is so much more than that. Attending regional
events allows you to meet members from other cities as well as
different programs to get involved in.
[34:05] Kevin talks about looking up to his dad as a father and a
businessman, and how Kevin is using this inspiration to sort of
make it on his own in his business.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Columbus Chapter of
Entrepreneurs’ Organization
Kay-Twelve
Recommended Podcasts:
Serial
StartUp
How I
Built This
EO Global
Conquering
Columbus