[quote style=”boxed”]This is a work in progress, but I’ve found that an initial brainstorming session with my team works well. We then focus on coaching, setting a road map, and creating deadlines. Holding yourself accountable is one of the hardest things you can do.[/quote]
Jordan Guernsey is the CEO of Molding Box, an innovative company that provides order distribution services, shipping services, print services, and CD/DVD duplication services. Jordan started Molding Box in his mother’s basement and has grown the company into an Inc. 500 List member.
Molding Box was founded in November of 2005 as a simplified outsourcing solution that provided its customers with flexible printing solutions and scalable shipping and handling services, as well as disc media production services.
Molding Box started when Jordan Guernsey decided to branch out from a previous employer. He moved back into his parents’ house and set up shop in their basement, armed with only a credit card and a blessing. Once Molding Box started racking up clients, the company faced a new problem: financing a growing business. Trusting his idea would take off, Jordan put everything he had–a Visa with a $12,000 limit and $500 in cash–into his company. His gamble paid off; within the first year, Molding Box had eight employees working in his parents’ basement. Molding Box started to take on a life of its own.
What are you working on right now?
I’m building our back-end software solution. We’ve found that there’s no out-of-the-box solution that can handle our customization.
Where did the idea for Molding Box come from?
I was working for a different company, completing their order fulfillments. At the time I started Molding Box, that company was looking to outsource their fulfillment to a different company. I wanted to move on, so I started Molding Box and got my first client instantly.
What does your typical day look like?
Typically, I get up around 7:00 a.m. to go for a walk. I check email by 8:00 and respond to anything that’s lingering or can be answered quickly. Next, I focus on working “on” the business (not in it) and by 3:00, I am checking in with my staff to wrap up the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
This is a work in progress, but I’ve found that an initial brainstorming session with my team works well. We then focus on coaching, setting a road map, and creating deadlines. Holding yourself accountable is one of the hardest things you can do.
What’s one trend that really excites you?
The continued push of online sales is still super exciting, as our order fulfillment comes from Internet sales. Lots of small businesses can be created via the web, and our target market is getting broader and broader.
What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
I used to watch mentally challenged criminals who were supposed to be in prison but were under house arrest instead because they were challenged. I learned a lot about the power of patience from the experience.
If you were to start again, what would you do differently?
I’d be more detail-oriented in the beginning and really map out what I wanted to do–and then stick to it. It is very easy to get sidetracked. Focus on a niche and stick with it.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Read everything! Any business-related book you can get your hands on is worth a read. You can always find some much-needed inspiration.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
I was thinking about doing battery recycling a few days ago. There’s money in waste, and I know I won’t get around to doing something like this for a long time, if ever!
Tell us a secret.
Follow one course until you’re successful. That is the definition of focus.
What are your three favorite online tools and what do you love about them?
- Infusionsoft (our CRM and marketing beast). It’s a great, cost-effective tool to stay on top of sales and communications with clients.
- Google always finds me the answers I’m looking for, and it fuels the SEO for our websites. I love it!
- Facebook allows me to connect with my family without having to talk with them. Ha!
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
Good to Great is awesome! It shows how really great companies are made, and it gives you a good layout for how to model your own business.
What’s on your playlist?
Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, and Iron Maiden have been in rotation as of lately. The classics keep me calm and inspired.
If you weren’t working with Molding Box, what would you be doing?
I would probably be working in real estate, investing or some other type of financial industry. These fields intrigue me and have always been fun in my experience.
Three people we should follow on Twitter and why?
Honestly, as of lately, I’ve found Twitter to be very annoying to read, with hash marks and “@” signs everywhere. I’ve trimmed back on using it, but I recommend:
- @moldingbox because my company has interesting things to say!
- @MSN_Money to stay on top of current investment trends.
- @RealSaltLake because I think we all need a break from work to follow our favorite pastimes; mine is our local MLS team.
When was the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it?
Yesterday I was watching Wanderlust, and when Jennifer Aniston started tripping on Ayahuasca, it made me crack up.
Who is your hero?
John D. Rockefeller was an amazing businessperson and an all-around pretty cool dude.
One piece of advice you would give other businesses?
The devil is in the details. Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades; focus on what makes you tick, and bang that drum until you truly are a master.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Gummies! I love gummy worms, bears, octopuses or spiders–they are all awesome!
Connect:
Jordan Guernsey’s LinkedIn:
Molding Box on Facebook:
Molding Box’s website:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.