Tanya Menendez of Maker’s Row spoke at Big Omaha 2016 about developing the idea for Maker’s Row, her company’s launch event and company growing pains. She also discussed the pushback she received for democratizing data about American manufacturers.
“In the very early days people would come to our office and threaten us,” said Menendez. “They would say, ‘I can’t believe you’re giving away this information for free!’”
The idea for Maker’s Row came about when Menendez discovered it was easier to find a factory in China than in the United States.
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“There were consultants who were charging $5,000 for a spreadsheet. There were consultants that were brokering relationships between manufacturers and entrepreneurs,” said Menendez.
She also shared how she grew close relationships with her customers in order to grow her business.
“These factories became an extension of our team,” said Menendez.
Menendez encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to get started today.
“Start by taking the first step,” said Menendez. “Create a list, create a logo, create a goal for yourself for when you’re going to launch your company.”
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