Here’s What You Can Expect From Session One of the Entrepreneur Speaker Series
We are less than a week away from the first session of the 2022 State Forty Eight Foundation Entrepreneur Speaker Series presented by Ogeez! — a free four-week educational event taking place at the brand new Walter Studios in Downtown Phoenix.
ICYMI: This series brings together some of Arizona’s most remarkable founders, CEO’s, and industry experts. Each session will tackle a theme or topic that is central to the journey of the entrepreneur. Seats are filling up fast, so if plan to join us, here is what you can expect from session one:
VALUABLE INSIGHT: During session one, you’ll hear from Walter Founder, Kirk Strawn, on how his vision for his company was born from an airport crash truck, and how it evolved into what it is today. Then Paige Dimakos, CEO at The Draft Network, will take attendees through her professional journey and explain why having a clear vision was pivotal.
RESOURCES: Various local entrepreneurial organizations will be on site offering their services and support to Arizona startups and small business owners.
CONNECTION: Come ready to meet and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners and community professionals!
GOOD BITES & A GOOD BUZZ: Our friends at Walter Studios will be throwing down the kitchen and offering select menu items for purchase. And if you’re feeling parched, the Honey bar will be open as well!
ABOUT OUT SESSION ONE SPEAKERS
Kirk Strawn, Founder of Walter
Walter is the lifesaving vehicle that started it all for Kirk Strawn. Once an airport crash truck manufactured by the now-defunct Walter Motor Truck Company, Kirk Strawn, the eventual founder of Walter Productions, first encountered Walter in Jerome, Arizona during an offbeat gathering of hundreds of vintage VW buses and their enthusiasts. The rest, you might say, is history. The boxy frame, large wheelbase and huge tires gave Kirk an idea. He arranged to take custody of Walter and transport him to Phoenix, where he would rise like the city’s namesake, thanks to the artistic vision and mechanical skill of Kirk and his band of merry women and men. Together, they created the world’s largest VW bus, and did what anyone in their situation would do: took Walter on a road trip to Burning Man. Walter became the inspiration for the company and the movement we call Walter Productions, an entire fleet of entertainment-themed vehicles and venues, professionally managed on a gigantic scale, and dedicated to the wonder and delight of adventurers everywhere.
Paige Dimakos, CEO of The Draft Network
Paige Dimakos is the Chief Executive Officer of The Draft Network. She comes from a diverse background including stops at Big 10 Network, ESPN Phoenix, Fanrag Sports & CBS Sports. Paige started her first company, at 19-years-old while attending the University of Nebraska where she saw an opportunity to cover sports using Twitter. After graduation, she sold her first start-up and moved to Phoenix to work for ESPN. While there she was tasked with building the digital brand for all of ESPN Phoenix. She also helped launch the podcast network, start & manage all the company’s social media accounts and became a daily voice on the biggest sports talk show in Phoenix as The Sports Paige. At her next stops she was credited with creating new revenue streams using digital & social assets for branded content campaigns for the first-time. She’s worked with brands like Anheuser-Busch, Ford, Panini-America, Bose, Dick’s Sporting Goods and many more.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, August 3rd
ESS Session 1- Building Your Vision Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
The foundation to any good business is a clear vision and purpose. A clear vision is the compass for where you want to go and purpose is what keeps you going. During session one, you’ll hear from Walter Productions Founder, Kirk Strawn on how his vision for his company was born from an airport crash truck, and how it evolved into what it is today. Then Paige Dimakos, CEO at The Draft Network will take attendees through her professional journey and explain why having a clear vision was pivotal.
Wednesday, August 10th
ESS Session 2 – Cover Your Bases: Legal & Financial Planning Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
It’s the part of entrepreneurship that no one likes to talk about, but it’s legal and financial business planning are perhaps two of the most important (and confusing) pieces of the puzzle to ensure protection and longevity for your business. In session two, legal and financial experts will join us to discuss important legal factors that all businesses need to consider, mistakes to avoid, and walk you through some best practices when it comes to managing your business finances.
Wednesday, August 17th ESS Session 3 – Marketing Matters: Building & Growing Your Business Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
A successful marketing strategy has an incredible impact on the success of your brand. With so many options, where should you begin? And how can you run a successful marketing campaign with a small budget? To answer all of these questions and more, we’re bringing together a panel of some of the Valley’s most skilled and ingenious marketing minds. In addition to sharing their story and passion for marketing, they will speak to what business owners should consider when determining their marketing strategy.
Wednesday, August 24th ESS Session 4 – Build it to Last: Systems & Processes Walter Studios, 747 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix
Business burnout is real. How can entrepreneurs create sustainable practices that allow for growth? The answer is good systems and processes. By incorporating foundational operational practices that help them manage teams, leads, sales and so much more – business owners give themselves room to do what they’re meant to do: lead and innovate.
