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On this episode of the Growing with Purpose podcast, host Paul Spiegelman talks with Drew Patrick, owner and CEO of Skidmore Studio in Detroit, Michigan. In March 2020, Drew also founded Michigan Fields, an online specialty market that delivers the best of Michigan food and beverage directly to Metro Detroit homes.
Drew's story is one of passion, resilience, and a feeling that all entrepreneurs can identify with: shit happens. On this episode, Paul sits down with Drew to delve into his winding road into entrepreneurship, which culminated in him becoming the owner of Skidmore Studio under the worst of all possible circumstances: the owner — and Drew's personal friend — Tim Smith passed away suddenly in 2018. Not only that, Tim passed away shortly after Drew told Tim that he planned to leave the company. But the soul of Skidmore — its people and values — kept Drew on board, as he recommitted himself to a company that has been part of the creative fabric of Detroit for decades.
In this episode, listen along as Paul and Drew explore some of the most pivotal moments of Drew's career, from the year when Skidmore lost 70% of its revenue in a matter of 3 weeks, to the change of heart that led to Drew taking the reins of a company he planned to leave. You'll also hear why (and how) Drew started a brand-new company at the height of the pandemic — and it actually succeeded.
Tune in to Paul and Drew's conversation here or listen below.
Show Notes:
[2:36] From Resigning to Becoming Owner
[10:35] The Worst of All Possible Circumstances
[21:40] "You're a fool. What are you doing?"
[37:51] Accountability Across the Board
[40:20] Roll with It
Leadership Book that Inspired Drew:
Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard