Interview WIth Ryan Murphy (Boothboys)

Next up in the hotseat is Ryan Murphy who reveals why the booth is on "fire" with his co-owned family run photography led business venture......LET's GET TO IT!!!

Forde Esq: How's it going Ryan?!?

Ryan: Good thanks, yourself?

Forde Esq: Pretty sweet thanks. So the first question as always is, where did you get the idea from for your business from?!?

Ryan: We went to our friends wedding and they had a booth there. It was very dated and could only seat 1 person! Everyone was absolutely loving that booth so we thought, imagine we could find a far superior booth! Me and my brother who is also my business partner did some research into it and finally found a booth big enough to fit upto to 6 people in there with the best technology available to date! Since then we've slowly been establishing our brand all across the UK as the ultimate party attraction for all special occasions. We've worked with some big names such as Thorpe Park and Audi and continue to make a good impression at events that were booked to attend.

Forde Esq: Nice work! So, what is it that you guys actually provide?!?

Ryan: Well as you know "BoothBoys" is a family run business providing state of art photo booths for all types of occasions that include Weddings, Birthdays, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and corporate parties. Our portable photobooths provide family and friends with images ans memories of their occasion for them to take away and treasure. With that we also provide catering services such as delicious cakes so mum can have the night off from spending hours on end in the kitchen.

Forde Esq: Hahaha I like it. Always thinking outside the box. So since you started how have you guys been doing?!?

Ryan: The company has been a huge success over the past 18 months. We have carried out around 100 bookings to date and are now coming into our busiest period over Xmas for work functions and parties.

Forde Esq: Sounds like you guys will be flat out!

Ryan: Yeah we intend to be. It's around this time of year when we all see the potential in our business so we have to be prepared to take on as much as possible.

Forde Esq: Of course so is there anything new and exciting to expect from you guys?!?

Ryan: We have recently added Candy Buffets to our offering. This is where we provide 'retro' sweets such as black jacks, fruit salads etc in fancy martini glasses/jars! which have been a huge success at weddings.

Forde Esq: People want more than a slice of cake to take away with them these days. I suppose it's one of those occasions where people can pig out and worry about it in the morning! So last question for you is where do you see yourself in 5 years time?!?

Ryan: We already have many bookings for 2013, so already next year looks promising in terms of performance but really we wish to work on becoming one of the leading booth companies in the UK. Were always looking to expand to other areas in the UK which means taking on more staff members and providing opportunities for people to learn from our experiences in the entertainment sector. By the end of 2013 we hope to be the first name on everybody's lips when it comes to party planning and events in the UK.

Forde Esq: Thanks for that Ryan. Always a pleasure never a chore!

Ryan: Cheers Clint

Forde Esq: For more information on "Boothboys" log onto to their website http://www.boothboys.com/ or click on their Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/BoothBoys1?fref=ts for more information.

Until next time folks

Forde Esq.

Interview With Aryn Keogh (Delish Cakery)

Back again with another episode of "Born To Be A Bo$$" where this time round I get talk about two things i'm passionate about...food and business....What a combination! This time around, Aryn Keogh from Delish Cakery gave us her insight into how she made her mark in the baking industry in North Carolina so...LET'S GET TO IT!!!

Forde Esq: Hey Aryn...how's things?!?

Aryn: Good thanks, you?

Forde Esq: Yh I'm sound as a pound! I won't keep you too long because I know it's late and I know you got cakes to make so I'll start with the first question. How did it all start for you?

Aryn: Before baking cupcakes officially as "Delish Cakery" I managed a photography studio in the mall. When I saw that my opportunities for career growth were limited I decided to go out on my own and I became a freelance photographer. Photography was actually my first adventure into self employment and it wasn't a total failure! I did manage to make money enough to cover all my equipment fees and bills, however, soon the economy took a turn for the worst and I found that I was getting less business and had a lot of free time. It was in this free time that I began experimenting with recipes and selling to friends/neighbours. I had always loved to bake so it was a natural hobby for me. Soon I was getting calls from strangers! I remember jumping around the kitchen with excitement every time that would happen  Before long baking cupcakes had taken over and I had to come up with a business name - Delish Cakery.

Forde Esq: That's great how you started off with one business and switched to another through recognising an opportunity through something you was passionate about.

Aryn: Yes when an opportunity like that presents itself you have to grab it with both hands. I did thank god and look where it's got me.

Forde Esq: Indeed. So what exactly do you do?

Aryn: Mondays are grocery days (in the average week I will go through 25 lbs. of flour & sugar, 12 lbs of butter, & 15 doz eggs!) and I spend a lot of my time actually baking and assembling cakes. The surprising part of owning your own business is that you have to be a jack of all trades in that you have to be educated on each detail of your company. Since marketing my baked goods I have become knowledgeable in webpage building, logo designs, packaging processes, & marketing tactics. A lot of time goes into the marketing of my products.

Forde Esq: Jack of all trades...such a great term but so true. So I take it you manage everything yourself from the marketing side right down to baking the cakes.

Aryn: Yh I like to stay involved with all sides of the business so I know how I'm performing and where I can improve.

Forde Esq: So with that being said, how is the business performing to date?!?

Aryn: Pretty good so far! I currently operate from my converted home kitchen and I am slowly taking over the house!

Forde Esq: So is there anything new and exciting to look forward to with your business?

Aryn: Well, as we speak I am in the process of designing better packaging for my products. It sounds silly but it is really exciting to design something and then see it in print. I haven't gotten anything in yet but when it gets here it will be like xmas morning for me! Also, in the near future I would like to open a storefront location (I an dying to separate my work and personal space!)

Forde Esq: I bet! Talk about taking your work home with you haha! So, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Aryn: In the next five years I would like to be the largest confection company in Charlotte, hopefully with one or more storefront locations. I would also like to be able to offer nationwide shipping for a few of my more study products.

Forde Esq: That sounds great. Well good luck to you Aryn and truly wish you all thr best.

Aryn: Thanks Clint

Forde Esq: Well if you want to learn more about Aryn business then log on to her company's website http://www.delishcakery.com/ or visit their website page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Delish-Gourmet-Cupcakes/102475995898?fref=ts for more information.

Interview with Patrick Hamilton (Urban Moves)

Were back folks and for this interview we I got to find out how Patrick Hamilton is making "moves" in his business for a better way of life in his bright future soooooo.....LET'S GET TO IT!

Forde Esq: Wassupp Pat!

Patrick: How's it going playa?!?

Forde Esq: Just chilling, how's business?!?

Patrick: We always making moves haha, you know how it is!

Forde Esq: Yh I do. So I guess the first question as always is where did you get the idea of your company from?!?

Patrick: It all comes from being poor in a previous life and wanting heaps of cash. I was seeing all my friends around me making money and I said to myself I want some of that now so I racked my brains for hours trying to come up with some new and innovating but nothing would jump out at me. So when I was on the way to my mates house I saw a bunch of removal men struggling to get a sofa into a house so I gave them a hand and they were so greatful from it they gave me $50 and offered me a job but I turned it down as I thought I could do it myself.

Forde Esq: Isn't that something hey? So from there Urban Moves was born?!?

Patrick: Pretty much. Obviously there was a lot of things to organise and put in place but once I had the idea all the rest of the puzzle felt like nothing.

Forde Esq: I hear that. So what is exactly what you do then?

Patrick: Well at UrbanMoves we assist with all your domestic household and business removals. We operate within the Sydney area mainly but also take bookings all over the country depending on the size of the job and whether it's viable for our business. We have a small team of workers who help with all parts of the logistics from start to finish to make it a stress free for our customers as possible. 

Forde Esq: So you guys must be busy all the time then.

Patrick: Yh for sure. It was slow at first getting the name out there but once we built on our reputation and word of mouth started spreading on who we are and what a good job we was doing then the job offers started flooding in from all directions. Everyday is a challenge as a boss and leader of this organisation but I fully believe in the saying "Work Hard, Play Hard"

Forde Esq: Enjoying the fruits of your labour I guess?

Patrick: It's gotta be done Clint. As much as I enjoy working for myself I gotta let off some steam every now and then to show off my accomplishments.

Forde Esq: Fair play to ya! So is there anything to look out for with UrbanMoves?!?

Patrick: Not really. As I said before, were taking booking outside of Sydney more regularly now and I'm looking to possibly hire a receptionist to take care of bookings as I have other business ventures that I'm involved in so I have more time to myself.

Forde Esq: Sounds like your a busy man. So what's the plan for the next 5 years then?

Patrick: I hope to start a family and enjoy life down in Newport in a nice luxury pad with a performance car parked outside with at least $3,000 to play with each day.

Forde Esq: Cheers to that my brother. Well thanks again for your time Patrick and make sure you take us for a spin in that sports car when you get it.

Patrick: Will do mate. All the best

Forde Esq: Thanks mate. Well guys and girls, if your struggling for removalists in Australia then be sure to visit their website https://urbanmoves.com.au/ or their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Urban-Moves/282711101779564

Until next time folks

Forde Esq.

Interview With Patrick Varden (Tagroom)

Once again folks were here to bring you another interview fresh out of the box via the best blog on the market entitled "Born To Be A Bo$$". This time round I got given the opportunity to question CEO and Co-Founder Patrick Varden on his online news website "Tagroom" who reveals all to us about the birth of the newest thing on the social media block.

Forde Esq: Hey Pat...How's it going?!?

Patrick: Good bro. Thanks for the build up in the intro by the way. Love it!

Forde Esq: Just telling it how it is bro! So let's get to it shall we?

Patrick: Let's!

Forde Esq: So to start us off, where did you get the idea of Tagroom from then?!?

Patrick: My background is in psychology and I have always been fascinated about why people share so much content on social networks and how certain pieces of content emerges as something viral. I asked myself, do people even get anything out of sharing content. What I found is that people like to inform and entertain their friends. I wanted to see what would happen if you rewarded those actions. I thought, well we need a place that is easy to stay up to date with what everyone is sharing online and get rewarded for sharing. 

Forde Esq: I think I like this idea the most because people are encouraged to promote news amongst their friends and colleagues with the added incentive of prizes for their knowledge generousity. If anything it entices readers to search for more interesting news and articles to share that they probably wouldn't have glanced at previously before with the chance to be whisked away to the Bahamas.

Patrick: Exactly. It's a win win situation.

Forde Esq: So explain a little bit more to me what Tagroom is and what it's about then please Pat?

Patrick: I'm the CEO and Co-Founder of Tagroom who creates the vision of the company. I manage and build and editorial team to bring up to the minute news and work with brands to help them connect to our audience. Tagroom is a social news website the rewards users with points for sharing content. The site is dedicated to tracking the worst most shared news. It is also designed to allow brands and businesses to market themselves as rewards. Points act as virtual currency, and these points can be converted to giveaways, discounts and charity initiatives. 

Forde Esq: Gone are the days of waiting until the 6 o'clock news for the latest stories ay Pat?

Patrick: That's yesterday's news Clint. No pun intended but like everyone else in the world people want to be kept up to date with breaking stories across the globe when it happens which is why websites like this have such a necessity to exist in todays world.

Forde Esq: So since you guys have been up and running, how have you guys been performing?!?

Patrick: The company is going well. Site traffic has been increasing by the day. We have an app we are aiming to launch soon. Currently we are working on updates that will be coming to the site in the next few weeks. We also successfully pulled off a cool campaign for a travel agency brand giving viewers the chance to win a trip to Malaysia.

Forde Esq: Yeah I saw that. I was gutted I didn't win that, I could of done with a holiday!

Patrick: Well there's more where that came from don't worry. The team is focused on delivering awesome content designed to be shared on the social web. We constantly learn and refine the way we package our content. We use a super cool dashboard that tracks content that has gotten a lot of traction on Facebook and Twitter using social metrics which is a brilliant tool for our editors to stay ahead of the game. We are also experimenting with "native advertising" as banner ads seem to not be as effective, we want to build an environment that where brands and readers can live together nicely. Native advertising is the new buzzword in the advertising world and we want to show how it can be executed well on a content website. We will also we working along university societies next year to help bring more awareness to their activities by making meaningful content viral. 

Forde Esq: Well that takes care of question 4 then! So that just leaves me with the final question on where you see Tagroom in the next 5 years?!?

Pat: In 5 years I see myself expanding Tagroom to places I can't even imagine taking it right now. Technology and the web constantly evolves and we know we will stay on the cutting edge to disrupt the content market as the web expands into different territories. Where I do see myself is running a successful social news platform that will rival the larger news sites out there in Australia providing readers with awesome content to read and share and provide brands an environment to connect with consumers.

Forde Esq: That's awesome. Well thanks alot for you time Pat. You definitely given a great account of Tagroom and what it's all about and I wish you and the team all the best in all future endeavours. 

Pat: Thanks Clint. Good luck to you too.

Forde Esq: Thanks bro. Well readers if you wish to find out more on what Tagroom has to offer then visit their websitehttp://www.tagroom.com/ or follow them on Twitter (@Tagroom) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/tagroom) for daily updates.

Until next time folks

Forde Esq.

Interview With Jazz Rose (JandC Academy)

Another week marks another addition of "Born To Be A Bo$$" where in this addition Jazz Rose was the latest entrepreneur to be questioned on his educational based business venture called JandC Academy so as always....LET'S GET TO IT!

Forde Esq: Hey Jazz, how's it going?!?

Jazz: Good bro, yourself?!?

Forde Esq: Not too bad thanks pal. So as always I'm just gonna ask you a couple of questions on your business. Is that ok?!?

Jazz: Of course, fire away!

Forde Esq: Cool, So first question....where did you get the idea of your company from ?!?

Jazz: I started coaching whilst at College and was working for a few small companies before the leader of one of the organisations left and asked me to take over. I complied and from there JandC Academy begun.

Forde Esq: Talk about taking advantage of a great opportunity and running with it. I bet you must of been scared or at least nervous?

Jazz: Not at all. Sports is something I've pretty much done all my life so I found it easy to make the transition from football player to coach then to business leader. All it took was time and a lot of hard effort.

Forde Esq: I bet. So what is it that JandC Academy actually represents as an organisation?!?

Jazz: At present we deliver a risk free solution for PPA cover in schools, through delivering high quality PE, Music and Foreign Language lessons in schools across SE England. We employ fully qualified teachers and PE specialists who aim to deliver outstanding lessons every day in accordance with Ofsted standards

Forde Esq: Wow that's some curriculum. I'm impressed! So how's the company performing so far?!?

Jazz: The company has grown each year over the last 9 years, so we are continuing to strive to give our clients the best possible service and ensuring children receive the best possible education from our innovative lessons. I started out in the field but have now had to take more of a backseated approach in order to help grow the business and maintain the standards that we promote across the subjects we teach.

Forde Esq: Man, I bet you was that cool P.E. teacher that loves to get involved in all sports that you teach and all the kids want on their team. So is there anything we should be looking out for in the future?!?

Jazz: Haha put it this way, I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty...I can't reveal too much to our competitors but were always looking to take on more school as clients of ours.

Forde Esq: Sweet. So last question Jazz, where do you see JandC in 5 years time?!?

Jazz: In 5 years, we aim to continue to grow, under the same policies and philosophy as we have been doing over the last 9 years.

Forde Esq: Jazz, that sounds brilliant. All the best to you and your company in the future. 

Jazz: Thanks for having me! Speak to you soon.

Forde Esq: Not a problem. So that's it folks and as always if you wish to find out more on Jazz's company then log onto their website http://www.jandcacademy.com/

Until next time

Forde Esq.

Interview WIth Rakz Mathur (Signacion Music)

Wasssupp people. Welcome back to another addition of my blog called "Born To Be A Bo$$" with your host Forde Esq. After weeks of trying to fit me into his busy schedule, I finally got the opportunity to quiz Rakz Mathur on views, thoughts and opinions on his quest to becoming a pioneer in the music industry with his music based entertainment record label Signacion so as always there's no time like the present so....LET's GET TO IT!!!

Forde Esq: Mr. Mathur...Finally we get to speak

Rakz: Haha sorry bro...what can I say I'm a busy man

Forde Esq: Don't I know it, I was starting to give up on you but I suppose it was worth the wait! Well let's not waste any further time and get straight into it shall we?!?

Rakz: Why not Clint!

Forde Esq: Brilliant. So the first question I guess is where did you get the idea for Signacion from?

Rakz: Signacion was birthed from what I believe is a vision from God. I was at Hillsong Conference funnily enough and had a vision of Aurora Borealis playing in the back of my mind whilst I was listening to the pastor preach some home truths on goals and aspirations within life. At the time I had been in a band as the drummer and writer and always loved making and creating music. We had a 12 piece R&B group
called Signacion when I got the vision and all I could do was investigate what this "vision" really meant so I dropped everything important in my life at the time and started to try and find out what it mean't and out of it was born Signacion. Gareth and I built a recording studio and started working on hip hop music and from there we found out the hard way that there was no money in setting up recording studio as a start up so I ended up doing my masters which ended up in me working for Sony Records following this dream and started managing artists left right and centre after what seemed like years (5 to be precise) we started to head in the label direction and then about 7 months ago we shifted into overdrive leaving the bedroom for the HQ now and increased the roster of artists from 2 - 11 and here I am talking to you.

Forde Esq: Wow that is some journey in 5 years!

Rakz: Yeah, it was painful but the thing that drove me was the vision that I would lead a team of creative people and equip young people to express themselves creatively which is ultimately our vision statement here at Signacion.

Forde Esq: That sound amazing and empowering my brother. Hat's off to you.

Rakz: Thanks bro

Forde Esq: So what is it that Signacion actually represents as a brand and a company?

Rakz: It took 5 years to identify that. Are we a Studio? Are we Management? Are we Media? I think the best way to explain what Signacion represents is Creativity and Integrity. We understand that artists need development and also we understand the fickle nature of the industry.

Forde Esq: So with that Creativity and Integrity, What are you trying to achieve through Signacion?

Rakz: I want Signacion to be a multimedia and creative hub where the record label is an aspect but nurture creativity, develop sustainable models and also derive value from music while being mainstream. Based on what the study that was done in the UK by the LPO where their artists become business administrators and increase longevity of artist careers which is what is a core fundamental to us.

Forde Esq: Wow...that is a mouthful lol So explain to me and the readers the infrastructure of your label so we know what were dealing with here i.e. who does what?!?

Rakz: Well where do we start....The infrastructure starts off with Signacion Entertainment Group comprising of Signacion Music (The label), Signacion Media (The advertising arm), Signacion Development ( Artist Development / Management) and Signacion Publishing (which is in the process). I am Group CEO looking after all aspects of the business which involves Strategy , Business Planning, Business Affairs and I dabble in Songwriting and Production too.

Gareth is the General Manager of Signacion Entertainment Group and looks after the operations but focuses his energy on the label and how it al unfolds. Josh Pinkerton (Formerly from Silent Joe) is the Creative Director and looks after the general operations of the Media.

Maya (Our sharpest intern) is now the Manager of Communications and PR looking after 6 interns to ensure that the group, brand and also our products are portrayed correctly, marketed and drive revenue.

Justine who is our Artist Development Manager is purely creative and provides all of our artists on the label with her creative influence on concepts for songs, melodies and hooks to ensure that all of our tracks sound on point and are ready for airplay.

Forde Esq: Sounds like you have all bases covered....the term go hard or go home seems to ring a bell here!

Rakz: Yes, I used to do things small but I realized what is the point if I am going to do something do it right, do it big but 70% is perception if people perceive us to be huge then we have done our jobs right
that is how we make an impact in the market I believe.

Forde Esq: Preach brother preach! So how are you guys doing in the industry so far?

Rakz: In the industry we have gained a bit of attention once the website went up, although the Facebook didnt reflect this I started getting calls from club promoters for our artists to perform at their events. The move to the city was awakening for the label and one of the best decisions ever and the work we are doing in the media is giving us a great reputation through the clients that we have been working with such as Red Cross, Telstra, McDonalds, Smirnoff and heaps more in the future by the looks of it.

Forde Esq: Sweet so is there anything new and exciting coming up soon for Signacion?

Rakz: Ah man we have releases galore coming up. You gotta keep an eye out for Lex, Luke Antony, Andrei Boyd, O.S.K. and Trix. We also have a few hidden gems mixed in there too which will be revealed in due course. Also you may see video clips floating around and a potential launch which albeit was a bit delayed but is looking closer to getting a finalised date so I'll keep you posted on that one.

Forde Esq: Sweet...seems like there's a lot to look forward to...ok last question...where do you see Signacion in the future in the next 5 years?

Rakz: Well the next 5 years for Signacion is a very exciting time indeed. I see us setting up satellites in India, Germany and the US and working on a few digital ones also. We are looking for a new location currently to move to (have been for the last 2 months) and are in full steam ahead mode for our artists to start getting the coverage they need so they can shine like the stars that they are.

Forde Esq: Rakz, that sounds awesome. Thanks for answering all my questions and you've been star as always.

Rakz: Happy to help my man

Forde Esq: Well for more information on Signacion Music, head on down to www.signacionmusic.com or facebook.com/signacionmusic

Until next time folks

Forde Esq.

Interview With Westec Property Services

Hey Wes...here's the interview...let me know what you think and if anything needs changing before I post it.....thanks again

Hey folks and welcome to another addition from my blog called "Born To Be A Bo$$". This week I got given the opportunity to speak to Wesley Warner about his company that he self started called "Westec Property Ltd" so without further timewasting...LET's GET TO IT!!!

Forde Esq: Hey Wes, how's it going?!? Long time no speak

Wes: Good thanks, just touched down from a nice overdue break in Dubai

Forde Esq: Sounds nice...alright for some ain't it!

Wes: Haha...Work hard...play harder bro!

Forde Esq: Indeed, So Wes, you know how this all works so I'll guess I'll get started....... So where did you get the idea of your company from?!?

Wes: I was previously employed in the property sector where I was able to gain experience and knowledge. Some years back I worked for a building organisation, where I was taken in and able to learn all the skills of the trade, I felt it was something I was capable of taking on, so I took the plunge into self employment. It took some time but I had managed to develop a strong network of clients which I used to build myself a healthy name and reputation within the industry.

Forde Esq: That's a great way to go about things. So you learn't the industry inside and out so you got the opportunity to learn from your and other people's mistakes whilst being able to identify a gap in the market for you to excel in.

Wes: Couldn't have said it better myself and since then I haven't looked back.

Forde Esq: Great stuff...So with that all being said...what exactly does Westec Property do?!?

Wes: WesTec undertakes all types of property refurbishment work. We also have contracts with Property management companies in and around London for whom we take care of the maintenance at their assigned properties.

Forde Esq: So man you must be a busy bee...how do you guys manage that?!?

Wes: I have a team that I manage that takes care of all the dimensions of the business. These people are the backbone of my business and without them I would struggle to get to where I have today.

Forde Esq: Such a true and honest statement. So how is the company doing so far since you've been going?!?

Wes: The Company is doing very well. We are gradually progressing and expanding throughout other parts of London and indeed the UK.

Forde Esq:Brilliant news, So is there anything new and upcoming we should look forward to in the near future?!?

Wes: There are a couple of new projects in the pipeline, but I can not reveal them as yet :-)

Forde Esq: Not even an exclusive for an old friend?!?

Wes: Nah mate, that would spoil the surprise haha!

Forde Esq: Fair enough, well last but no means least.....where do you see yourself in 5 years time...let me know if you have any questions

Wes: Hopefully the business will be larger and healthy with even more room for growth. Also I should be a couple years closer to earlier retirement!!

Forde Esq: Your only a couple more years off sunning yourself on some beach in the Bahamas! Well I won't hold you much longer as I've managed to sneak in a couple more questions but thanks a lot for your time

Wes: No worries bro and all the best for the future

Forde Esq: Appreciate it Wes. If you want to learn more about what Wes' company does then log onto http://www.westecproperty.co.uk/

Until next time folks

Forde Esq.