Summary of "Jeremy Alexander founder of Evolve Marketing in Vernon BC | Queerprenuers E6"
Summary of Key Financial Strategies, Market Analyses, and Business Trends from the Interview with Jeremy Alexander, Founder of Evolve Marketing
Main Financial and Business Insights:
- Entrepreneurship Journey & Business Launch:
- Jeremy transitioned from being a marketing employee to founding Evolve Marketing two years ago.
- He and his partner simultaneously bought a house, quit their jobs, and started their own businesses.
- Early challenges included learning about corporate taxes and business operations beyond marketing.
- Emphasized the importance of hiring professionals for tasks outside one’s expertise (e.g., bookkeeping, taxes).
- Marketing Agency Focus:
- Evolve Marketing specializes in website design, social media management, and creative problem solving.
- They work globally but are based in Vernon, BC.
- Their approach combines creativity with analytical thinking (“left brain, right brain in unison”).
- Client and Team Management:
- Jeremy stresses the importance of being selective with clients and employees.
- Uses a “gut feeling” to identify problematic clients or employees (“donkeys”) and is not afraid to “fire” or part ways.
- Maintains a high standard for client relationships, aiming for partnership rather than a vendor dynamic.
- Financial Advice for Entrepreneurs:
- Understand taxes thoroughly from the start.
- Be prepared for constant learning and many moments of doubt in the first year.
- Hire a good bookkeeper and get professional help with finances.
- Work hard, stay humble, and continuously update skills.
- Work-Life Balance & Productivity:
- Jeremy admits to struggling with boundaries and overworking, especially in the first two years.
- Uses ADHD as a strength for multitasking but recognizes the need to eventually balance work and personal life.
- Advocates for setting limits on work hours to avoid burnout.
- Giving Back and Community Engagement:
- Evolve Marketing prioritizes donating skills to community causes (e.g., Wilms Cancer Foundation, Vernon Pride).
- Created branding, websites, and email marketing systems for local queer organizations.
- Actively works to foster safe queer spaces both physically and online.
- Supports trust-based giving models to simplify funding for non-charity LGBTQ+ organizations.
- LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurial Perspective:
- Feels a unique pressure to be a visible role model and community pillar.
- Views this pressure positively as motivation to give back.
- Notes that discrimination has not impacted his business but acknowledges online hate which he manages by blocking/reporting.
- Legacy Vision:
- Jeremy wants Evolve Marketing to be known for exceptional, impactful marketing work.
- Aims to create an inclusive workplace where diverse identities collaborate.
- Desires to set a standard for marketing excellence in the Okanagan region.
Methodology / Step-by-Step Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs:
- Understand and prepare for the complexity of running a business beyond your core skillset.
- Hire experts for tasks outside your interest or expertise (e.g., taxes, bookkeeping).
- Be selective with clients and employees; trust your instincts to avoid problematic relationships.
- Prioritize continuous learning and humility; avoid becoming complacent.
- Manage work-life boundaries deliberately, especially in the early years.
- Invest time and resources in giving back to the community.
- Build partnerships with clients rather than just vendor relationships.
- Develop resilience by focusing on what you can control—your effort and integrity.
- Use your unique identity and experiences as strengths and sources of motivation.
- Leverage community connections and support networks for growth and impact.
Presenters / Sources:
- Jeremy Alexander – Founder of Evolve Marketing, Vernon BC, LGBTQ+ entrepreneur.
- Dustin Balcom – Host of Queerprenuers Unleashed podcast.
This interview provides valuable insights into the realities of launching and running a marketing agency as a queer entrepreneur, emphasizing financial literacy, community engagement, resilience, and the importance of balancing passion with practical business management.
Category
Business and Finance
