Chapter 1: Embracing Time Off

Taking time off is crucial. When you decide to step away, it's essential to disconnect entirely from work. Avoid distractions like your phone and business matters. If you empower your team effectively and hire early, you'll find that they often don't need your constant oversight.

Starting a business is a daunting challenge. Every entrepreneur knows that the initial years are filled with struggles rather than glamour. Building a successful enterprise requires time, learning from experiences, and significant personal growth. What can we learn from the lessons offered by the "University of Adversity"? In this interview series, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ted Raad, the visionary founder of Trend Management.

Trend Management is a rapidly growing influencer management firm in the U.S. Ted identified unmet needs within the influencer management sector and aimed to prioritize influencers over the agency's financial gains. The company is built on principles of transparency, advocacy, and authenticity, fostering unique partnerships that enable digital creators to expand their businesses.

Launched in 2019 with just three influencers, Trend has now grown to represent over 70 creators. In 2023, the company extended its operations to Nashville, Tennessee, complementing its headquarters in Houston, Texas, and coast-to-coast presence in New York City and Los Angeles.

Before establishing Trend, Ted Raad spent eight years in the IT mergers and acquisitions sector at Hewlett-Packard Inc. (HP), a Fortune 500 giant, where he negotiated multi-million dollar agreements. He holds a Master in Business Administration from the University of Houston, focusing on Negotiations and Communication.

Thank you for joining us in this enlightening series! Could you share how you arrived at your current career?

My journey at HP lasted about eight years, and there wasn't a clear path leading to Trend—except for my wife, Dede Raad (@dressupbuttercup), who built a significant online following through her fashion blog and Instagram. In 2018, she joined a prominent talent management agency, hoping to secure organic partnerships that would help her brand flourish. However, she soon felt that the agency prioritized its short-term profits over fostering genuine collaborations for long-term success. After discussions with her friends in the industry, I recognized the need for a talent management agency that would champion organic partnerships and prioritize creators' long-term success. Thus, Trend Management was founded in 2019 with a commitment to advocate for our clients and their brands.

Could you describe some of the challenges you faced at the start of your journey?

Trend took off rapidly, and I struggled to maintain a balance between work and personal life. During my wife's labor with our daughter, Rosie, I received a call from a brand president about a campaign issue going live that day. My wife graciously allowed me to take the call, but it was a wake-up call that I needed to seek help to ensure my ambitions didn't overshadow my family time. It was a hectic period.

What motivated you to persist through those tough times?

A text from one of our first creators stands out to me. She expressed that signing with Trend transformed her life and opened new opportunities for her and her family. The positive impact Trend has on our creators drives my motivation.

What’s the current state of the business? How did perseverance contribute to your success?

Today, we support over 70 influencers and collaborate with over 50 brands. Since our inception, we have doubled our growth each year, and we recently opened an office in Nashville, expanding to four cities.

Can you share a humorous mistake from your early days and the lesson learned?

In my early days, I worked with a shoe company that frequently used the term "bootie." Unfamiliar with women's footwear, I naively wondered if they were referring to something else entirely. After a lengthy conversation, I consulted my wife, only to find out we were discussing shoes! The lesson? Always do your homework before client calls to avoid confusion.

What differentiates your company in the industry?

Our creator-to-manager ratio is our key differentiator. We maintain an industry-low ratio of 5:1, while many others are at 10:1 or even 20:1. This allows us to concentrate on strategy for each creator. Even as our roster grows, each creator feels valued and supported.

Which advice would you offer your peers to help them thrive and avoid burnout?

My primary lesson is to genuinely take time off when you plan to. Schedule personal time that is unrelated to work. I limit my meetings to between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM, reserving afternoons for focused work. My family time is sacred, untouched by meetings.

Is there someone you are especially thankful to for your success?

Two individuals come to mind: my executive coach, Heath Dieckert, who guided me in structuring my team and scaling my business, and my wife, Dede. She provided invaluable insights into what creators truly need and want, ensuring our advocacy is effective. Her feedback has been critical in refining our approach.

How do you leverage your success to create positive change?

I believe in the importance of giving back. With our resources, we have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully. At Trend, we support local causes and initiatives, such as raising over $40,000 for the First Tee program in Coachella Valley, where our creators engaged with local youth.

What are your top five lessons from launching your business?

1. Prioritize Self-Care: The pandemic affected my health, emphasizing the need to take care of myself to sustain business growth.
2. Hire Early: To scale effectively, recruit before you are in dire need of help.
3. Empower Your Team: Allow team members ownership of their tasks, accepting that mistakes are part of the learning process.
4. Truly Disconnect: When taking time off, completely step away from work matters.
5. Know Your Clients: Understand their needs and challenges to foster stronger relationships.

Can you share insights on managing the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship?

Celebrate the highs and learn from the lows. Embrace successes while understanding that setbacks may lead to new opportunities. Sometimes, missing out can be a hidden blessing.

If you could initiate a movement for positive change, what would it be?

Social media profoundly impacts insecurities, especially among teenagers. A movement promoting healthy social media use and body positivity could significantly enhance self-esteem and connection. Initiatives could include education on social media's dangers, promoting authenticity, and supporting those struggling with mental health issues.

How can our audience follow your work online?

Connect with us on social media:

Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us!

Chapter 2: The Impact of Trend Management

In this video, Ted Raad discusses the significant trends in influencer marketing and shares insights from his journey as a CEO. Discover how his experiences shape the future of digital marketing.