INTRODUCTION

 

Ryan Young is the co-founder of Grandex. Grandex is the creator of TFM, (Total Frat Move), TSM(Total Sorority Move), Rowdy Gentlemen Clothing, Post Grad Problems, Man Outfitters, and Lady Clothing. Today, TFM and TSM picks up anywhere between 10-20 million unique vistors a month.

 

 

 

EDUCATION

 

What University did you go to? What was your major?

Texas State University - Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business

 

What did you do at your university that has attributed to your success in the workforce?

The only thing I was involved in was my fraternity (KA) and I was highly involved. There is nothing better for learning how to manage a group, be a leader, and just plain get shit done. Once you've led a group of 100 whiskey drunk guys, the corporate environment is a breeze.

 

How has your degree impacted what you do today?

My partner Madison and I were both Psychology majors. It was my favorite subject so I just went with it to make school bareable. Most people would say its one of those majors that you wont use and its hard to get a job. But our psychology skills have been the biggest part of our success. From knowing what makes people tick and entertaining them to consumer psychology with Rowdy Gentleman marketing. It all starts with Psychology.

 

JOB TRANSITION

 

What inspired you to do what you do today? 

My passion is comedy and entertainment so I had to. You have to eventually work in your passion or you will always wish you had.

 

How would you describe your transition from college to the real world?

Mine was very rocky. I had no idea what I wanted to be and it was very anxiety provoking. I bounced around from job to job looking for my place. But thats the only way to find it. If you arent feeling it, there is no shame in moving on to the next thing.

 

What skills do you possess that made you pursue the career that you currently have?

I have a strong interpersonal skills, vision, talent scouting, and believe in building energy. As far as tangible skills, I have nothing. That’s why I partnered with Madison who is a jack of all trades. In the beginning, I stood over his shoulder while he coded/designed/photoshopped and threw out ideas.

 

JOB INSIGHT

 

Tell me about the role that you have with your company.

I have a Founder/owner role where I am involved in all decision-making, operations, and directional steering of the company. My title is Chief Creative Officer where I oversee the Media division of Grandex and its teams (TFM, TSM, PGP)

 

What does a typical work schedule look like for you?

9-6 with a few all-nighters sprinkled in. Mostly comprised of inter-company meetings, business development/networking meetings, and a hell of a lot of Gmail'ing

 

Describe the atmosphere in the office. 

Talented and Passionate people working on things they are most passionate about. Some in business casual and some in tanks.

 

JOB OPINION

 

What is challenging about your role? How do you overcome the challenges that you face?

The most difficult thing is that we have basically 3 very different businesses under Grandex (a media network, a clothing brand, and an online store). All of these are very different in daily operations but I must be able to bounce around and lead all of them.

 

Where do you envision Grandex will be in 5 years?

Bigger, Faster, Stronger

 

How do you find time to balance your personal life with your professional life?

Grandex is my life. Honestly. My friends are my co-workers.

 

What do you like most about Grandex?- How did you come up with that name?

Grandex stands for Grandiosity plus Execution. Everyone has big ideas but it is the ability to execute them that separates.

 

JOB SPECIFIC 

 

What would you say your biggest struggle with Grandex has been thus far?

Bootstrapping the entire thing and competing with companies who have raised tens of millions of dollars

 

How did you go about marketing yourself and what are some of the struggles that you faced with this?

I actually made a point to not put myself at the forefront of TFM. I wanted the brand to represent to readers and community and not think of it as some guy. Man behind the curtain at Oz basically.

 

Did you ever think TFM would be as big as it is today?

Honestly, we had a hunch that it would be big with a book and movie deal being our goal. We achieved both of those but had no idea that the commerce opportunities would be as big as they are.

 

What are some good habits that you’ve had to develop in order to keep the company running smoothly?

My relationship with my partner is the most important thing. It’s not easy to stay on wavelength with another man and you have to work on habits that will increase compatability. If we stay great friends and super passionate about Grandex everyday and through every obstacle we face, the potential for Grandex is limitless.

 

ADVICE

 

Describe a hurdle in your life that you had to overcome to get where you are today. (Struggles in life, not the business in particular etc.)

I graduated with a 2.4 with a liberal arts degree from the 5th best public school in my state.

 

What advice do you have for someone who wants to follow in your footstep?

Commit to your passion and try your best everyday.