Ep. 113 – Paul Mazzola from Nivo Outdoor, Part 3

Paul Mazzola

Paul Mazzola

One of the most valuable assets for any startup founder is having access to a diverse network of like-minded entrepreneurs. Nivo Outdoor founder Paul Mazzola knows this first hand, crediting much of his company’s recent success to lessons learned through the Kauffman Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program. After spending years as a glass artist, Paul is the first to admit that has some catching up to do when it comes to mastering the art of running a business.

In the final installment of this interview, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks with Paul about his entrepreneurial stumbling blocks, and what’s next for his company. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading

Ep. 112 – Paul Mazzola from Nivo Outdoor, Part 2

Paul Mazzola

Paul Mazzola

Before he launched a new career as an entrepreneur, Nivo Outdoor founder Paul Mazzola spent the better part of a decade as a glass artist. As it turns out, many of the lessons he learned as a working artist would be surprisingly useful in his new job. From sticking with a core vision to becoming comfortable with sales, there’s a lot of overlap.

In part two of this interview, host and business coach Tom Ryan dives into the transition Paul made from artist to entrepreneur. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading

Ep. 111 – Paul Mazzola from Nivo Outdoor, Part 1

Paul Mazzola

Paul Mazzola

Great businesses are often born out of frustration. While trying to set up a camping chair on the uneven ground at a West Virginia music festival, Paul Mazzola kept sliding down the hill. Looking around, he noticed that he wasn’t alone. The idea of a self-leveling outdoor chair popped into Paul’s mind. Surely, someone had something like that in the works, right?

Today, Paul is the CEO and Founder of Nivo Outdoor, a startup that makes those exact same self-leveling chairs. He’s also a member of the Kauffman Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program. In this episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks with Paul about how Nivo grew from concept to company, and the lessons learned along the way. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading