TP PROFILES-Brandon Muth of ClickBricks.com

Company
Youkipedia is the parent company. The main site I am currently working on is ClickBricks.com

Started
In March 2008 I decided to take the leap (again) into starting my own company. I quit the PR firm I was working at, relocated to Florida and dove right in.

Service
ClickBricks is yellow pages on steroids.

Startup Cash
I've sunk (not including my time) about 25k into things so far. One of the values of Youkipedia is to "create family owned and sustainable" businesses. So I'm funding it with freelance design work and some savings.

Favorite Food
Hmmm, this fluctuates depending on how much I've gorged myself with the recent favorite. Right now it's sushi, but when I need a break from that, it will go back to New Mexican food - not Mexican food, but "New Mexican" food. Big difference.

Favorite Quote
This fluctuates too. Currently it's "We sell or get fired." - David Ogilvy

Hardest Laugh
I don't think I laugh enough. My kids have provided some funny moments though.

Favorite Book
Right now it's An Empire of Wealth: The Epic History of American Economic Wealth.

A Good Night Out
Nothing. My wife is a blast to spend time with. As long as she's around how much we spend is not important.

Biggest Complaint
Privatizing profits and socializing losses. What our government and the Federal Reserve are doing is shameful. Their bailouts putting an undue burden on the American tax payer and is setting the stage for a tremendous backfire.

Weirdest Thing
Drink a bottle of tabasco sauce with a straw on a dare.

Most Extreme
Getting my degree in 4 years, while starting my own business (yes, this is my second time around - partners bought me out first time around), being married and having 2 kids. Yikes, talk about nuts.

Biggest Accomplishment
Starting a company with no loans that pays the bills and puts a little extra in the bank at the end of each month.

Biggest Mistake
Not maintaining a majority interest and ignoring the potential challenges that such an arrangement created.

Living The Passion
My family is my passion. My business model allows me to spend time with my family when I want and or need to. The schedule is malleable and sometimes I'm working in the wee hours of the morning, but I'm glad that I'm purposefully taking action designed around spending time with my children while they grow up.

The Lesson
Don't put control of your vision in the hands of other people. There's a huge difference between "small business owners" and "entrepreneurs" - don't get entangled with people who will hinder your entrepreneurial vision. At the same time don't go it entirely alone. Make sure you find advisors that are entrepreneurially minded and are there to provide positive encouragement and practical advice.

Contact
www.brandonmuth.com
www.clickbricks.com
www.scoopd.com
brandonmuth@gmail.com
www.linkedin/in/brandonmuth
Skype: brandon.muth
(505) 515-9133

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