CU Entrepreneur Showcase Week #5: Ryan Juett, Junior
Name: Ryan Juett
Business: Music Equipment Startup
CU Leeds Marketing Major, Junior
“Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re up to these days?”
I’m a native Coloradan, raised in Parker, with an enduring passion for music that has persisted into my adult life. When not immersed in the LILY P4D business, I’m engaged in making and playing music, promoting my personal music brand.
“What’s your major and what are you studying, what year are you?”
Currently a junior at the Leeds School of Business, majoring in Marketing with a minor in music.
“What led you to choose that major?”
Business has been a lifelong interest, evolving from childhood ventures like lemonade stands to my current role in a music technology startup, LILY P4D. The choice of a music minor aligns with my longstanding passion for music production.
“Have you been able to make any connections at Leeds that have helped you with your business?”
While no direct connections led me to LILY P4D, the knowledge gained from Leeds’ teachers, particularly in BASE, our 6 credit business applied semester experience, and marketing classes, has been instrumental in making me a valuable asset to the business.
“What’s been the most useful class you’ve taken so far at Leeds and why was it useful?”
Digital marketing has proven exceptionally beneficial, with skills learned directly applicable to my work at LILY P4D, covering areas like website design, Google Analytics, social media management, and SEO.
Editor’s Note: SEO stands for search engine optimization, which is the industry of ranking a website/business higher on Google for related search terms.
“Obviously, balancing school and your own venture are not the easiest things to do. What’s your strategy to manage both?”
Crafting a schedule is integral, centered on a meticulously curated list of priorities. In my room, I’ve adopted a visual approach, laminating pages and affixing them to my wall for easy reference. These categorized pages span school tasks, a general to-do list, responsibilities for the Music Production Club, and assignments related to LILY P4D. This method allows me to break down my workload into manageable chunks, making even the busiest lists more digestible. Additionally, I maintain a substantial calendar where I record crucial due dates and upcoming events. Periodically, when tasks appear insurmountable, I pivot and recalibrate my priorities for optimal efficiency.
“Would you recommend that other entrepreneurs attend CU or college in general?”
Attending CU, especially Leeds, is highly recommended for studying business due to its excellent teachers, comprehensive learning, and abundant resources.
“Can you describe more about your venture and what it does?”
LILY P4D, Pad 4 Ducking, is a mic-ducking tool that allows live musicians to control their microphone volume. This addresses stage noise issues in live performances and creates a better experience for the audience and the musician.
“If you had to pitch your service or product in 1 sentence, what would you say?”
100 circuit boards soldered by Ryan
“LILY P4D revolutionizes live music with cutting-edge noise reduction technology, ensuring pristine sound quality and an immersive experience for musicians and audiences alike.”
“In your journey as an entrepreneur, what’s been the biggest personal challenge you’ve had to overcome or are still working to overcome?”
My most significant challenge lies in navigating the unknown. While my education and self- discovery have equipped me with knowledge, the rapid evolution of the digital landscape presents a constant challenge. In this dynamic environment, gaining certainty is elusive. For instance, queries like the optimal time to post on Instagram yield a myriad of responses. The truth is, that success in a world in flux requires not just keeping pace but staying ahead of the wave — a pursuit that defines my ongoing efforts.
“Do you make use of AI in your daily life or in your business? If so, how? If not, why?”
I use ChatGPT extensively for various business tasks, from creating email marketing campaigns to generating captions for Instagram posts. It streamlines processes and allows me to focus on core business aspects.
“What’s the end goal for your venture? Where do you see the finish line?”
The goal is to reach as many audio engineers as possible, positively impacting live music experiences globally. We aim to grow independently and explore further opportunities with potential partners.
“Looking back from when you started to where you are now, what has been the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your entrepreneurial journey?”
The surprising aspect has been my rapid acquisition of new skills. Starting with no experience, I quickly learned and mastered tasks, transitioning from manufacturing to marketing.
“What’s the next step for you in your business?”
With all sectors covered, the next step is to focus on marketing. Manufacturing, sourcing, and management are in place, and we are self-funded, prioritizing tasks to propel the business forward. The product works, but no one knows about it. So building an awareness campaign is our next step.
“What are some accomplishments you’ve had so far in your business?”
Said The Sky with Illenium performing using LILY P4D at Mile High Stadium for the Illenium Trilogy
The product is refined and has positive reviews for sturdiness and usability. Beyond the product itself, our paramount strength lies in the resounding testimonials from industry luminaries such as Illenium, Brantley Gilbert, Billy Strings, and more. LILY P4D has graced some of the grandest stages globally. In Colorado alone, it has made memorable appearances on the Milehigh Arena stage with Illenium, at Ball Arena with Brantley Gilbert, and at the iconic Red Rocks alongside The Infamous Stringdusters and Dierks Bentley.
Brantley Gilbert on the Nickel Back Tour Using LILY P4D @Ball Arena
”What’s one skill you’ve gained from starting LILYP4D?”
Apart from business skills, I developed photography skills, which are essential for capturing testimonials and creating visual content for the brand.
”What are you grateful for?”
I’m grateful for the support from Drew and my family, LILY P4D has not only provided valuable business experiences but also allowed me to cultivate additional skills in photography, contributing to both personal and professional growth.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelilyp4d/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THELILYP4D/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtlAD4CN-FGlftLnnpj94OA
If YOU Are An Entrepreneur at CU, I’d Love To Tell Your Story
My name is Bennett Black and I am a columnist on AboutBoulder who tells the fascinating stories of entrepreneurs at CU. I am an entrepreneur myself and provide website design for home service businesses. If you’re looking to be featured in one of my next posts, you can DM me on instagram @bennettblack.io
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