Gregg Venable Archives - Business RadioX ®

North Georgia Business Radio

Gregg Venable -- Draaw Studios

00:00 /

Starting a business is a thrilling journey filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, right? Based on my personal experiences, it’s the WILDEST rollercoaster ride ever…

Returning guest, Architect Gregg Venable of Draaw Studios is dropping some wisdom about his first 9 months as a business owner during this North Georgia Business Radio segment.

Some of the BIG lessons Gregg’s learned:

Hire help sooner than you think you need it
Document your processes (even when you’re crazy busy)
A supportive spouse is worth their weight in gold
Stop trying to do it all yourself
Join a business network – you need those connections

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration to help you navigate the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Highlights Of The Show

00:01:05 – Starting a Business Journey
Gregg Venable shares his experience of starting his business, Draaw Studio, and the challenges and successes he has encountered along the way.

00:03:05 – Draaw Studios’ Services and Future Plans
Gregg explains the services offered by Draaw Studio, including residential and commercial architecture, and discusses the potential expansion into multifamily projects and other sectors.

00:06:46 – Importance of Communication in Business
Gregg highlights the significance of intense collaboration and effective communication in the design process, emphasizing the need to understand clients’ visions and translate them into tangible designs.

00:11:53 – Lessons Learned from Entrepreneurial Journey
Gregg shares valuable lessons learned from starting his business, including the importance of seeking help and the realization that hiring a committed full-time employee is more beneficial than relying on contract workers.

00:15:10 – Importance of Hiring
Gregg discusses the importance of hiring employees and not trying to do everything yourself. He emphasizes the need to hire people who can help grow the business and free up time for more important tasks.

00:16:04 – The Role of Sarah
Gregg talks about the valuable role his wife, Sarah, plays in the business, handling QuickBooks, balancing the books, and providing operational support. Her involvement has been crucial in lifting the weight off Gregg’s shoulders and allowing him to focus on business growth.

00:17:09 – Supportive Spouse
The conversation shifts to the importance of having a supportive spouse when starting a business. Gregg emphasizes the need for encouragement and belief from a spouse, as well as the necessity for tough love when necessary to push someone to take the leap into entrepreneurship.

00:20:04 – Financial Confidence
Gregg and Phil discuss the importance of running a business by the numbers and the need for financial planning. They highlight the role of a supportive bank in providing financial guidance and strategies for business growth.

00:21:13 – Hiring and Business Growth
Gregg shares his experience of hiring employees and how it has accelerated the growth of his business. He emphasizes the need to view hiring as an investment and a means to leverage higher value activities, ultimately leading to faster business growth.

00:29:38 – Importance of Teaching and Process Implementation
Gregg emphasizes the importance of teaching a system and process to others in a way they can easily pick up, highlighting the significance of efficient processes in business.

00:30:06 – Working on Your Business vs. in Your Business
Phil discusses the difference between working in the business, which involves day-to-day activities, and working on the business, which entails stepping back to make a plan and improve processes.

00:31:49 – Reflecting on Business and Learning
Phil and Gregg stress the importance of taking time to reflect on business, learning from mistakes, and continuously seeking to improve processes and operations.

00:34:10 – The Value of Mentorship and Peer Groups
The conversation delves into the significance of mentorship, peer groups, and structured environments like Iron Forums in helping business owners see blind spots and learn from others’ experiences.

00:39:12 – Freestyle Rap on Business Principles
Phil and Gregg engage in a freestyle rap, highlighting important business principles, including putting ego aside, being honest, and detaching to work on the business.

North Georgia Business Radio

Gregg Venable | Founder of Draaw Studio

00:00 /

Gregg Venable, founder of Draaw Studio, LLC — An Architectural Design Studio — joins host Phil Bonelli as our featured guest on this segment of North Georgia Business Radio.

Gregg brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the architectural and design industry. He’s sharing with us why his unique approach to effective client collaboration sets him apart from other design firms and how he’s able to maintain the delicate balance between technical knowledge and the ability to interpret and communicate client needs effectively.

Phil and Gregg are also talking about what it takes to start a side hustle while working a full-time job!

Connect with Gregg and Draaw Studio

gregg@draawstudio.com

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX

Key Highlights of This Episode:

00:00:33 – Building the Business You Want
The discussion begins with a focus on being intentional about building a business, followed by an introduction to Greg Venable and Draw Studios, an architectural design firm.

00:04:16 – The Value of Collaboration
Phil and Greg emphasize the importance of collaboration in the design and architecture process, as well as the role of architects in challenging and guiding clients’ ideas to provide better solutions.

00:11:56 – Transitioning from Drafter to Architect
Greg shares insights into the transition from being a drafter to an architect, highlighting the role of an architect in adding value to clients’ ideas by challenging and enhancing them based on expertise and experience.

00:15:32 – Adding Value to Your Business
Gregg discusses the importance of adding value to your business by challenging and adding to your products or services. He emphasizes the need to look for opportunities to improve and exceed customer expectations.

00:16:16 – Begin with the End in Mind
Gregg and Phil talk about the importance of starting with the end goal in mind for any project. Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, understanding the ultimate outcome is crucial in providing the best solutions for clients.

00:17:59 – Starting Your Own Firm
Gregg shares his journey of starting his own firm and the importance of doing side projects that don’t conflict with your primary job. He highlights the value of entrepreneurial mindset and how it can benefit both employees and employers.

00:20:26 – Supporting Entrepreneurial Employees
Phil and Gregg discuss how employers can support entrepreneurial employees by allowing them to pursue side projects and gain additional expertise. They also emphasize the benefits of employees thinking like owners and how it can improve their performance.

00:24:15 – Community Support and Collaboration
The conversation shifts to discussions about local restaurants and the importance of community support. They highlight the success stories of local businesses and the value of collaboration within the community.

00:30:28 – The Importance of Side Projects
Greg discusses the value of side projects and how his past employer supported him in pursuing his own architectural design firm, Draw Studio, as long as it didn’t conflict with his primary job.

00:33:12 – Efficiency and Prioritization
Phil and Greg delve into the importance of efficiency and prioritization, emphasizing the need to focus on multiple tasks without conflicting or overlapping, leading to better performance and growth.

00:36:33 – Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People
Phil and Greg emphasize the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and fostering a positive work environment, suggesting that a toxic work environment can hinder personal and professional growth.

00:37:33 – Client-Focused Growth Strategy
Greg explains his strategy for building his architectural firm, focusing on finding clients that provide repeat work or referrals, emphasizing the value of being selective and niche to add more value.

00:40:15 – Conclusion and Contact Information
Phil wraps up the conversation by highlighting Greg’s entrepreneurial endeavors and architectural services, encouraging listeners to support local businesses and contact North Georgia Business Radio X for future highlights.