The Story of Bradford & Reed with Andrew Warner
Today I spoke with Andrew Warner founder of Mixergy, where Andrew interviews successful Internet entrepreneurs from across the world. In this interview I dig into Andrew’s past and discuss the ups and downs of Bradford & Reed, one of Andrew’s first companies that reached 30+ million in annual sales.
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Highlights
1:02 – Who is Andrew Warner?
Andrew is the founder of Mixergy where he interviews successful Internet entrepreneurs.
2:18 – What was Bradford & Reed (one of Andrew’s first companies)?
Bradford & Reed was a collection of Internet companies that started out with email newsletters.
3:15 – What was the biggest challenge starting Bradford & Reed?
The challenge was first starting out and the self-doubt that entrepreneurs often face. When you keep pushing forward you notice that you slowly start to grow and overcome your fears. “Your biggest battle is only yourself.”
11:20 – What advice do you have for entrepreneurs that need funding?
Andrew sold back his J Crew clothing to fund Bradford & Reed. There are many creative ways to come up with funding.
27:15 – When did you realize it was time to sell Bradford & Reed?
It was time to take a break and explore new ideas, which lead to creating Mixergy.
32:00 – What is the best advice you’ve been given in life?
Always keep learning.
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I had a blast doing this interview, one of the points that really captured my attention is how Andrew sold back his J Crew clothing to fund a company that eventually reached 30+ million in annual sales. I also appreciate Andrew’s quote, “Your biggest battle is only yourself.” What are your thoughts about the interview? I’m interested in hearing your comments below.
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11 Responses to “The Story of Bradford & Reed with Andrew Warner”
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[...] million and then sold it. He knows a thing or two about the process! He and his brother started Bradford & Reed, an online greeting card directory. Selling it years later, he started Mixergy, which went through [...]
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Hello and welcome, I'm Tony Ruiz. My work revolves around learning and applying efficient processes, human psychology, Internet marketing, and user experience to web-based projects. You can learn more about me here.
Nostalgia is at its peak with this interview. Back in senior year of high school I disliked what the student council had created as our senior shirt. Hooked up with a friend, designed a beautiful shirt, screen printed em. Came right out and hustled each and every last one of them in a week. Despite getting reprimanded from the vice principal, I arrived to the homecoming football game with the whole senior section wearing them. Victory.
Entrepreneurship does need to be supported. It needs to be a stable in our education system. and Students need to be inspired to be different.
Be inspired to be different, I respect your hustle Matt. Thanks for sharing your story.
The entire point of the educational system is to create obedient employees, not entrepreneurs. Think about it. It’s all one big simulation for being a cog in someone else’s machine.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing, either, considering the vast majority of people will be employees for the rest of their lives.
I’ve heard Andrew Warner before I just can’t remember. I think his story is awesome and I think is an inspiration on how he has build his community I think what he is doing is awesome and I think that it helps people like me that learn through listening and watching.
Definitely agree keep learning hate to use a cliche but I will. You’ll be the same year after year except for the people you meet and the books you read. I read that in the one minute entrepreneur but I remember back in kirby co. our boss told us that too
It may be a cliche Wilson but its definitely true. Thanks for listing to the interview. I believe Andrew has an inspiring story and I love his energy through out the interview.
I absolutely love this interview! I really liked how Andrew broke down his reason for asking his iterviewees about their insecurities in order for a person in the audience to relate. I am glad that he touched upon his biggest battles dealing with self. I am currently in seach of THE business idea that will lead me to becoming an entrepreneur.
He really likes to bring out the best out of his interviewees. Perhaps we can discuss your search of finding a business idea when you come down to PHX.
Been a fan of Mixergy for a while now… Glad to see someone interviewing Andrew for a change. It’s great to learn about his own personal history, I’ve been curious about it.
GREAT INTERVIEW!!!
Thanks Arsene! Andrew has an awesome story indeed.