Jake joins me today to discuss how his experience in hedge funds and institutional finance helps him as the CEO of a promotional merchandiser provider. He explains why the merchandise industry is still “old school” and what The Baldridge Group does to disrupt the old ways of the industry. He discusses how the pandemic has impacted their business and how they navigated the effects of COVID-19 on supply chains. Jake also shares his advice for entrepreneurs who want to start their own promotional merchandise business — and underscores what motivates him to work on the growth of The Baldridge Group.
This week on Traversing Entrepreneurship
- Jake’s background and how he got his start in the world of custom apparel
- How his experience in institutional finance and hedge funds has helped him in the merchandise industry
- Why the merchandise industry is still “old school”
- How The Baldridge Group is innovating promotional merchandise
- What separates The Baldridge Group from other business merchandise providers
- The challenges in overhauling a business’s brand and merchandise
- The major challenges COVID-19 has presented to The Baldridge Group and how the company has navigated those challenges
- What motivates Jake to work on the growth of The Baldridge Group
- Jake’s advice to entrepreneurs who want to start a promotional merchandise business
- How The Baldridge Group helps companies elevate their brand
- What is next for Jake and The Baldridge Group
Our Favorite Quotes
“At the end of the day, you need to know what you want and how you want it delivered.” – Derek Dall’Olmo
“If you’re willing to take the risk, you’re also willing to enjoy some of the finer things life has to offer.” – Derek Dall’Olmo
“Understand the market, what you’re doing, and all the moving parts.” – Jake Baldridge
Connect with Jake Baldridge
About TreMonte Tax Solutions and Traversing Entrepreneurship Podcast
Traversing Entrepreneurship is a show for and about business owners in Traverse City, Michigan and beyond. In each episode, host Derek Dall’Olmo sits down with local business owners and the professionals who serve them to talk about business building, life, money, taxes, family — and all the ups and downs that come with doing something different. Join us to hear their stories and lessons learned — and to get inspired about what might be possible in your own business.
Derek Dall’Olmo is the founder of TreMonte Tax Solutions, a tax planning firm that serves business owners and entrepreneurs. This show is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for investment decisions.
Email Derek Dall’Olmo at derek@tremontefinancial.com with questions, comments, and to schedule a one-on-one conversation, and follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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