Ben Stix

Drumming Up Entrepreneurial Ventures – Ben Stix

Ben Stix is the Founder and CEO of The BE Hive, a plant-based food company. Under his leadership, The BE Hive has grown from vegan potlucks and buffets to a deli with a functioning production facility, where Ben owns the manufacturing. He moved to Nashville to become a touring musician and drummer, inspiring his entrepreneurial journey.

Here's a Glimpse of What You'll Learn

[2:14] Ben Stix talks about his background as a drummer
[4:34] How music has influenced Ben’s entrepreneurial endeavors
[10:37] The catalyst for launching The BE Hive
[13:14] What is the connection between spirituality and veganism?
[17:27] Ben’s process for creating palatable vegan food
[23:19] The most influential lessons Ben learned when scaling
[31:18] Business fundraising opportunities in EO
[34:12] How Ben has transformed personally and professionally since joining EO

In This Episode

Musicians and other artists possess a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and adaptability, key traits that drive progress in entrepreneurship. How did one versatile entrepreneur transform his artistic passions into a thriving business venture?

Professional drummer turned full-time entrepreneur Ben Stix combined his love for music and vegan cooking to build a unique deli. Inspired by his experiences touring with a band and hosting vegan potlucks, he applied his tenacity and resilience to grow the business. Just as a drummer sets the tempo for a band, Ben learned to lead his company by orchestrating production, managing growth, and improvising solutions to overcome financial, staffing, and operational challenges. He also credits EO in shaping his communication skills, allowing him to manage employees effectively.

In today’s episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson welcome Ben Stix, the Founder of The BE Hive, to discuss his transition from musician to entrepreneur. Ben discusses the parallels between music and business, how EO has enhanced his leadership and communication skills, and the lessons he’s learned while scaling a self-funded business.

Quotable Moments:

“I’ve always gravitated towards drums. It’s the way my brain works; just a natural fidgeter and tapper.”
“The drummer’s running the show. If I drop out, everything’s done. It’s the heartbeat of the band.”
“For people to take vegan food seriously, it’s got to taste on par with the analog version.”
“The ideal market is the flexitarians, those who eat non-meat or non-dairy a few times a week.”
“The only way that I will survive is if I scale and grow bigger.”

Action Steps:

Embrace improvisation and flexibility: Just like a musician who adapts to changing rhythms, be open to improvising in your business strategies. This flexibility allows you to respond effectively to unexpected challenges and can lead to innovative solutions and growth opportunities.
Focus on building a passionate team: Hire team members who share your vision and passion, like surrounding yourself with band members who resonate with your musical style. This alignment ensures everyone works toward a common goal, enhancing productivity and morale.
Prioritize clear communication: Communicating clearly and effectively is crucial. By addressing potential customer or employee concerns directly and respectfully, you cultivate trust and reduce defensive reactions, leading to smoother operations and stronger relationships.
Innovate and adapt products to market needs: Continuously refine and adjust your products based on customer feedback and market trends. This iterative process ensures your offerings remain relevant and competitive, capturing a wider audience and addressing the growing demand for plant-based options.
Network and learn from peers: Engage with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts to exchange ideas and experiences, as emphasized by the positive EO community interactions. Networking provides valuable insights and support, helping you navigate complex business challenges and expand your horizons through shared knowledge and mentorship.