In 1991, founded an event management company, teaching the world about history, nature & culture. From $200K in sales to over $4 million & has been receiving multiple awards. Completed 700 projects in 45 states & 4 countries. (Episode 182 - Betty Brennan)

In this episode, I interview Betty Brennan, the President and Founder of Taylor Studios, an event management company based in Chicago, USA. Taylor Studios helps museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits. They make every exhibit educational to a certain level of professionalism.


Taylor Studios was founded in 1991, started in the kitchen garage, and grew from there. From 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and from $200,000 in sales to over $4 million in a span of 31 years. The company has been receiving Inc. 5000 awards and made the Inc. 500 list in 2000. They have completed 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries, teaching the world about history, nature, and culture.


Betty shares that the hardest thing in growing a small business is getting more people. Because there’s no business without the people. For she says, “Learning how to get that group of people moving towards the same vision is a tricky thing.”


This Cast Covers:

  • An event management company, helping museums, nature centers, corporations, and universities with planning, and building exhibits.
  • With a diverse staff of graphic and exhibit designers, and storytellers working to provide beautiful and meaningful projects.
  • Providing collaborative, creative, on time, and in the budget process of service.
  • Helping clients tell a story that inspires visitors.
  • Making everything throughout the process durable to inspire people to get involved.
  • Flexibility kept their clients on top of things, making everything easier for them.
  • Making exhibits educational done to a certain level of professionalism.
  • Started in the kitchen garage with 2 FTEs, now around 35 FTEs, and was awarded multiple Inc. 5000.
  • From $200,000 in sales to over $1.4 million in 31 years.
  • Completed over 700 projects in 45 states and 4 countries teaching the world about history, nature, and culture.


Additional Resources:



Quotes:


“For project-based businesses, reputation is everything so building relationships is important.” —Betty Brennan


“Learn leadership and emotional intelligence earlier, learn how to communicate and lead a group of people.” —Betty Brennan


“Be open-minded, curious, constantly learning, and you'll get through the ups and downs.” —Betty Brennan


“Attitude is more important than skill.” —Betty Brennan


“Group dynamics is a really important aspect of running a successful team.” —Betty Brennan


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