Brand Asset Partners - Michael Meador

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in marketing but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Michael Meador, Co-Founder and President of Brand Asset Partners, located in Westminster, CO, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Brand Asset Partners (B.A.P.) is one of the fastest-growing large format printing agencies delivering key marketing assets and sourcing solutions for clients throughout the U.S.A., Canada, and European markets. B.A.P. specializes in producing such branded items as tents, flags, and table covers, plus premium items like apparel, employee swag, and giveaways while also driving innovation and pushing new-to-market products such items as the stretch-a-frame. B.A.P. works with brands and agencies as well as direct with consumers via e-commerce. The company thrives in bringing both creativity and value to opportunities, particularly at the intersection of strong industry bonds and extensive partnerships. Whether you're a High School looking for custom apparel or you are a Formula 1 Race team that needs support to launch a new worldwide sponsor, we have you covered.

Tell us about yourself

I cut my teeth in this space, spending 24 years with a similar company learning every aspect of the business and developing meaningful relationships. One of those relationships began with my now business partner Steve Wright when he was with AND1 Basketball, the brand that ran the AND1 Mixtape Tour. We worked together as a Client/Vendor on many projects, and then years later, he joined my team at my previous company driving our marketing initiatives and even taking on a few clients. We talked quite often about how clients could benefit from additional services and about ways to develop a new approach to enhance the partner experience. Fast forward to the middle of COVID, and our planning went to a new level. It was then that Brand Asset Partners was born. Every day is different at B.A.P., and our amazing team is committed to our partners to help them determine the best fit for their needs, deliver quality products and communicate effectively thru every aspect of the process. Our dedication to our employees and the culture at B.A.P. seeps into every client interaction and helps deepen our partner relationships, and helps to welcome new clients to the B.A.P. way of doing business.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Steve and I often talk about this; our biggest accomplishment is our unwavering dedication to our client's needs and to our employee's mindsets. We really strive as an ownership team to make Brand Asset Partners a company where our clients enjoy working with us, and our employees actually want to come to work every day.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Besides cash flow? One of the hardest things about being an entrepreneur and business owner is time management. There are many aspects of owning a business besides providing great products to our clients. Managing cash flow, insurance, taxes, accounting, and H.R., all while dedicating time to our partners, is all in a typical day. Steve and I have a great partnership and have surrounded ourselves with a great group. We are lucky to have great employees, C.P.A.s, Insurance agents, and real estate professionals to help keep us moving forward as efficiently as possible.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

I actually have four tips.

1. Define your goals. As demanding as being an owner is, you don't want to start without a good idea.
2. Write a good business plan defining what you'd like to do and how you'll do it. One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that despite having a very thought-out business plan, things will always change as the business takes on a life of its own. Embrace the changes but stick to the meat of the plan, and you'll be on your way.
3. Learn as much as you can about the market you intend to enter. Who will your clients be, what products will you offer, and how will you deliver?
4. This is the most important in my mind. Be Passionate about what you're doing. If you're not all in on what you're trying to do, the odds of success will be against you from the start. Steve and I are very passionate about delivering for our clients and providing a workplace that our employees love being a part of, and the combination is really rewarding. How can we help your brand today?

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.brandassetpartners.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandassetpartners
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandassetpartners/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-asset-partners/

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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