Ep. 110 Ethan Foulkes

In this episode of Hello Chaos, Jennifer Sutton had the pleasure of speaking with Ethan Foulkes, the founder of Magic Button Labs. Ethan's journey to becoming a founder is nothing short of fascinating, marked by a diverse career that includes stints in IT, professional poker playing, and various roles in the food import and consulting industries.

Ethan shared how his accidental path led him to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of learning from each experience, whether it was in big corporations or startups. One of the most intriguing parts of our conversation was Ethan's decade-long career as a professional poker player, where he honed skills that he now applies to his business ventures, such as the ability to reset emotionally and mentally in dynamic situations.

Magic Button Labs, which started as a manifestation of Ethan's beliefs, has evolved into a venture studio focused on simplifying and automating operations around the customer journey. Ethan's insights into productization—turning expertise into scalable products—were particularly enlightening. He discussed how this approach not only makes processes more efficient but also allows for greater impact and reach.

They also dug into the emotional and mental challenges of being a founder. Ethan highlighted the importance of taking breaks and having a support system, sharing how his wife has been a crucial cheerleader in his journey. His biggest "aha" moment came from realizing the value of productization during his time in the consulting world, a lesson that has significantly shaped his current business approach.

Ethan's advice to other founders is to focus on getting the first customer before worrying about the finer details like business cards and websites. He stressed the importance of understanding that the advice from successful companies often doesn't apply to those still seeking product-market fit.

As they wrapped up, Ethan shared his vision for Magic Button Labs, aiming to become a prominent venture studio in Greenville, South Carolina, and help more entrepreneurs achieve product-market fit. His journey is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and the importance of having a supportive network.

Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the real, raw, and often chaotic world of entrepreneurship, filled with valuable insights and practical advice for founders at any stage of their journey.

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