James Eder is the founder of Student Beans, a student loyalty network that is now part of Pion.
In this week’s Founder in Five Q&A, Eder discusses making the most of every opportunity from chance encounters to industry events, knowing when to move on from the startup you have created and why smartphones have become a crutch in modern business and networking.
Which role was the most important early hire you made?
Back in 2004, I had the idea for what became Student Beans. I shared it with my brother Mike, who, inspired by baked beans as a “staple diet” of student life, suggested the name. Having a co-founder you trust and who complements your skills is invaluable.
Our first full-time hire came by chance after a disastrous talk I gave at Birmingham University. It was rowdy, heckled, and unforgettable. Afterwards, a web developer approached me with feedback on our site and became our first full-time employee. Even when things go wrong, it builds your profile and attracts unexpected opportunities….
