The Job that Now Makes Him $3.6M/Year…

Summary

Bird Biscuit: A Journey of Perseverance and Growth

Brian, the founder of Bird Biscuit, went from having no restaurant experience to selling over a million biscuits, generating $3.6 million in revenue. He credits his perseverance and a mindset shift that came from a near-death experience.

Humble Beginnings

Brian shares his humble beginnings, growing up in a rural area with three younger brothers and an older sister, facing challenges like his mother’s passing, and being raised in different households. Despite these adversities, he met people who helped shape who he is today.

The Birth of Bird Biscuit

Brian and his business partner traveled to multiple cities, researching successful concepts and identifying a gap in the market – breakfast sandwiches, specifically biscuits. They started with a simple biscuit recipe and found success in Austin, where no one else was doing it.

Business Growth and Challenges

The business has reached $4 million in revenue, with a cost of goods around 25-27% and labor costs around 30%. The production facility is equipped with expensive equipment, including ovens that are the most expensive and crucial for biscuit-making. The pandemic significantly changed the business model, shifting from in-store seating and traditional ordering to online ordering, which now makes up 90% of the business.

Startup Costs and Financial Backing

The startup costs for the first Burbird location were $600,000, exceeding the initial estimate of $350,000 to $400,000. The main expenses were time delays and equipment costs. Brian’s business partner provided the financial backing, and in return, gave him equity in the business, valuing their relationship and recognizing the importance of treating people right.

Success Factors and Overcoming Challenges

Brian attributes their success to attention to trial-and-error, overcoming challenges, including the pandemic, which forced them to adapt and shift their business model to accommodate online orders and increased demand.

Bizzy: A Hassle-Free Business Formation Service

Bizzy, a business formation service, offers a hassle-free and transparent way to set up a business. Unlike other formation services, Bizzy provides LLC formation, compliance tracking, and more for a one-time upfront fee with no hidden subscriptions or fees.

Unwinding and Business Advice

Brian shares his favorite way to unwind, which is meditation, and gives business advice to prioritize them. He recalls the moment when Bird Bird succeeded, which was when they figured out how to make their product efficiently.

High Monthly Expenses and Stressful Moments

The business has high monthly expenses, including labor costs of $75,000 to $100,000 and cost of goods of a similar range. The most stressful point was when the business first started and Brian had to work insane hours, leading to physical health problems.

Marketing Strategy and Exceptional Customer Service

Brian explains their marketing strategy, which focuses on creating an exceptional experience for customers, making them want to tell others about the business. They achieve this by providing high-quality products and sometimes giving away items not on the menu, creating fans who will spread the word about their business.

Empowering Team Members and Consistency

Brian emphasizes the importance of empowering team members to understand the costs and variables involved in managing food costs. He also stresses the importance of training and having written systems and processes in place to ensure consistency and quality.

Core Values and Communication

Brian emphasizes the importance of consistency in messaging and communication within a team, from top to bottom, to achieve a consistent outcome. He also highlights the significance of core values in a business, which should serve as guideposts rather than just being a joke.

Proper Communication and Relationships

Brian emphasizes the importance of proper communication in relationships, whether personal or professional, to avoid confrontation and instead have respectful conversations. This approach allows for disagreements to be addressed while working towards a unified objective.

Entrepreneurial Success and Recommended Books

The key to success in entrepreneurship lies in combining business acumen with a focus on building connections with others. Two essential books for entrepreneurs are “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown, which teaches effective communication and relationships, and “Autobiography of a Yogi”, which emphasizes personal growth and self-awareness.

Personal Growth and Business Idea Development

Brian reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, acknowledging that he had to give everything he had, even if it wasn’t sustainable, in order to persevere. He doesn’t recommend this approach as healthy, but necessary for his situation.

Work-Life Balance and Time Management

Brian shares his perspective on work-life balance, disagreeing with the idea that “if you love what you do, it’s not work.” Instead, he believes that loving one’s work doesn’t make it less work, but it can keep you recharged and motivated.

Maintaining Balance and Preventing Burnout

As an entrepreneur, time is crucial, and adapting to new situations is essential. Initially, following established processes was sufficient, but as the business required innovative solutions. Staying open to learning and finding balance is key to preventing burnout, both personally and for employees.

Key Vocabulary

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Vocabulary Quiz

1. Which word means ‘to deal with and overcome difficulties’?

A) Perseverance
B) Empowering
C) Adapt

2. Which word means ‘a way of dealing with a situation or problem’?

A) Strategy
C) Approach
B) Model

3. Which word means ‘to make something or someone stronger or more confident’?

A) Empower
B) Prioritize
C) Unwind

4. Which word means ‘to make something happen or exist’?

A) Form
B) Birth
C) Shift

5. Which word means ‘to make something or someone better or more successful’?
A) Improve
C) Develop
B) Grow

Answer Key:

1. A
3. A
4. B
2. A
5. C

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Using the Present Perfect to Describe Experiences and Achievements