Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in fishing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jon Stenstrom, Founder of Cast and Spear, located in Los Angeles, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cast and Spear is a platform for those who live for the thrill of the catch. We share videos, podcasts, and articles to help our customers sharpen their skills and knowledge. But what sets us apart is our ability to turn a niche hobby into a profitable venture. We've found a way to tap into a community of dedicated enthusiasts, and by providing them with valuable content and resources, we've built a loyal following. This is the true art of entrepreneurship, finding a community with a strong passion and delivering value to them consistently.
Tell us about yourself
I'm an engineer who started a business all about fishing. I grew up fishing in Yosemite and San Diego, where I fell in love with it. Later on, I found spearfishing, and it made me feel like a kid again, so I wanted to share that feeling with others. That's why I started Cast and Spear. It's a place where I share videos, podcasts, and articles about fishing to help others learn more about it and have fun while doing it.
I want to inspire people to get outside and explore nature through fishing. It motivates me daily to do what I do and share my experiences and knowledge. It's like having a big fishing club where everyone is welcome, and we can all learn and enjoy ourselves together.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the growth and success of Cast and Spear. In 2022, we had a million website visits, almost 300k TikTok followers, and a growing YouTube and podcast audience, and we became the largest seller of Ikejime kits (https://shop.castandspear.com/products/ikejime-kit) in the USA. These milestones are a testament to the passion and dedication of our community and the hard work and dedication of my team.
We've made a tangible impact on the fishing community and helped others discover the joys of the sport. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for Cast and Spear.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about being a business owner is the constant self-motivation and self-discipline required. Being your own boss can be challenging because it's easy to let procrastination and doubt creep in. It's essential to manage your energy levels daily and build systems and habits that help maintain momentum.
As a new parent, balancing the demands of a growing business and a new family has also been challenging. Still, I am grateful for the flexibility and opportunity to work from anywhere that being an entrepreneur has given me. It's about finding a balance and making the most of the flexibility of being a business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start a side hustle while you still have a day job: Starting a business can be risky, and it's essential to have a safety net in place. Starting a side hustle while you still have a day job allows you to test the waters and iterate on your ideas until you find something that resonates with your target market and has growth potential.
- Manage your burn rate: One of the biggest challenges new business owners face is managing their finances. It's important to keep an eye on your expenses and ensure you're not overspending. Being mindful of your burn rate and focusing on being "default alive" will help ensure the longevity of your business.
- Find a community: Starting and growing a business can be lonely. Finding a group of people at the same level or ahead of you in the journey can provide invaluable support, advice, and collaboration. Being part of a community of like-minded individuals can help you tackle challenging problems and prevent feelings of isolation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://castandspear.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/castandspear
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/castandspear/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonStenstrom
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstenstrom/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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