Cam Doody, co-founder and general partner at Brickyard and the moving company Bellhop, shares his journey from corporate constraints to entrepreneurial freedom. He discusses starting Bellhop during the financial crisis and the vital lessons learned through adversity. Cam emphasizes the importance of community support for founders and the unique entrepreneurial culture in Chattanooga. He also dives into the nuances of venture capital, urging genuine connections over hype, and highlights the value of taking risks in your twenties for long-term success.
Leaving familiar environments, as illustrated by Cam Doody's choice of university, can significantly enhance personal growth and entrepreneurial perspectives.
The evolution of Bellhops from a college-based idea to a nationwide moving service underscores the necessity for adaptability and innovation in entrepreneurship.
Deep dives
Embracing New Environments for Growth
Cam Doody emphasizes the importance of leaving familiar surroundings to foster personal growth. After growing up in Knoxville and feeling that attending the University of Tennessee would replicate high school experiences, he chose Auburn University instead. This decision opened doors to new perspectives and a diverse social environment, contributing to his development as an entrepreneur. The transition to university life served as a catalyst, allowing Cam to explore his ambitions outside of his hometown.
The Birth of Bellhops
The idea for Bellhops originated while Cam and his co-founders were in college, addressing a gap in the moving services market. They recognized that parents often fly in to help their college-aged kids move but lacked a reliable resource for moving assistance. Initially starting with a focus on university campuses and utilizing a two-sided marketplace model, they had to adapt and expand their services when they realized the seasonal nature of demand. As the concept evolved, Bellhops transitioned to handling broader requests, including loading U-Hauls, leading to its growth nationwide.
Challenges and Innovations in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship comes with significant challenges, especially during the formative years of a startup. Cam highlights the importance of community and camaraderie among founders who understand the struggles of building a business. In their early days, Bellhops faced obstacles when a partnership with U-Haul was unexpectedly severed, forcing them to devise a contingency plan to meet customer needs. These challenges drive innovation, requiring entrepreneurs to pivot and rethink their strategies to sustain growth and overcome barriers.
Building an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Cam discusses the creation of Brickyard, a venture capital firm designed to support entrepreneurs through a highly immersive experience. The program focuses on deep commitment, requiring founders to relocate and engage fully in their businesses while surrounded by like-minded individuals. This approach aims to foster collaboration and resilience among startups, allowing them to navigate the highs and lows of growth effectively. By investing in founders who are deeply committed to their visions, Brickyard seeks to cultivate the next generation of successful companies in the Chattanooga area.
For Cam Doody, the corporate path was just too clear and unappealing. Instead, he found a solution to a problem, and started, along with his partners, his own company, Bellhop - the fastest-growing moving & relocation brand in the U.S.
Now, 13 years later, he helps other founders “burn the ships” and make it through “the trough of sorrow” - if they’re one of the ten startups that get accepted each year (out of 4,600+ applications).
Cam Doody is Co-Founder and General Partner of Brickyard, a first-round venture capital firm and residency. He’s also the Co-Founder of Bellhop, the second-largest moving company in the country. You can connect with him on Linkedin here and learn more about Brickyard here.