In today’s Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur Spotlight, we're thrilled to introduce you to Chase Eskelsen, the visionary behind FerskenED. With a passion that bridges the gap between educational need and entrepreneurial opportunity, Chase is redefining how support systems in education can create profound impacts. At FerskenED, Chase and his team focus on empowering edupreneurs, enhancing school operations, supporting family education, and influencing education policy. From his daring leap into entrepreneurship upon securing his first big client to the launching of a pioneering private micro-school in Frisco, TX, Chase's journey is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in the education sector. Prepare to dive into the story of a change-maker who is sculpting the future of educational experiences while inspiring a new generation of thinkers and leaders.
Hi, Chase! Thanks for joining us today. Tell us about your business. Who do you serve, how do you serve them, and what's the impact that your business and work makes?
At FerskenED, we specialize in serving four distinct but interconnected segments within the education ecosystem:
1. Edupreneurs (Education Entrepreneurs): We provide tailored support and resources to individuals who are passionate about innovating within the education space. Our programs equip edupreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to develop and launch impactful educational products, services, and solutions. We help them with the business stuff so they can focus on the educational products/services they are launching.
2. Schools (Including Districts, Campuses, Charters, and Private Schools): We partner with educational institutions of all types to enhance their effectiveness and impact. Through consulting, professional development, and strategic planning services, we help schools optimize their operations, curriculum, and student outcomes to better serve their communities.
3. Parents and Families in Frisco, TX: As we prepare to launch our new private micro-school in Fall 2024, we are dedicated to providing parents and families in Frisco, TX, with a high-quality educational option that prioritizes personalized learning, holistic development, and community engagement. Our micro school will offer a unique blend of academic rigor, creative exploration, and individualized support to ensure that every student thrives.
Legislators and Policy Wonks: We engage with policymakers and thought leaders to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote innovation, equity, and excellence in education. By leveraging our expertise and insights, we contribute to shaping the educational landscape at local, state, and national levels, driving positive change, and advancing the common good.
Through our diverse portfolio of services and our unwavering commitment to excellence, FerskenED is dedicated to empowering stakeholders across the education spectrum to achieve their goals and make a meaningful impact in the lives of learners everywhere.
Tell us about the moment you finally felt like you went from wantrepreneur to entrepreneur.
The moment I truly felt like I had transitioned from a wantrepreneur to an entrepreneur was when I landed my first significant client after leaving my full-time position. While I already had an anchor client who provided me with meaningful work and whom I deeply appreciated, it was this new client, someone I had never heard of or had any prior insight into, that marked a significant shift in my mindset.
When they signed on, I felt a wave of validation and confidence wash over me. It was a clear sign that I was on the right path and that my decision to pursue entrepreneurship full-time was the right one. Landing this client was more than just a business transaction; it was a pivotal moment of self-assurance and belief in my abilities.
From that point on, I knew that I had the skills, the drive, and the determination to succeed as an entrepreneur. It was a powerful reminder that taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone could lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth. That first big client was the catalyst that propelled me forward and solidified my identity as an entrepreneur.
Describe the moment or period in your life/career that motivated you to make the entrepreneurial leap.
The pivotal moment that motivated me to make the entrepreneurial leap was when I found myself constrained within the bounds of existing solutions in the education sector. Working within frameworks where strategic partnerships often dictated the tools and structures we had to use to serve school families, I frequently encountered situations where these predefined solutions weren't always the right fit for the children involved.
It became increasingly clear to me that the one-size-fits-all approach imposed by these partnerships often overlooked the unique needs and potential of each student. I felt a growing sense of frustration knowing that we were not providing the tailored support and resources that every child deserved.
This realization fueled my desire to break free from the constraints of existing systems and launch out on my own entrepreneurial journey. I wanted to create a space where I could help families in the right way, where the focus would be squarely on the individual needs and aspirations of each student.
Furthermore, I was driven by a strong conviction to advocate for good, student-centered accountability from the parents' perspective. I wanted to empower parents to take an active role in their children's education while ensuring that accountability measures were designed to support and uplift students rather than hinder their growth.
Launching my own venture allowed me to align both of these desires. It provided me with the opportunity to build a platform that prioritizes student-centric solutions, advocates for meaningful parental involvement, and ultimately fosters an environment where every child can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
By stepping into entrepreneurship, I found the freedom to pursue my passion for creating positive change in the education landscape, one family at a time. It was a decision born out of a deep-seated commitment to serving children and empowering parents, and it continues to be the driving force behind everything I do.
Describe a tool, service, or software that has been a game-changer for your business. How does it contribute to your success?
The game-changer for our business has undeniably been the FerskenED Edupreneur Mastermind. While some might perceive it as a tool or service we've created and therefore naturally endorse, its impact on our success cannot be overstated.
At its core, the Edupreneur Mastermind is a community of like-minded individuals, each navigating the complexities and challenges of entrepreneurship within the education sector. What sets it apart is the invaluable support and insights shared among members, as well as the access to expert guest speakers who are masters of their fields.
The power of this mastermind lies in its ability to foster collaboration, inspiration, and growth. Being surrounded by fellow edupreneurs who understand the unique intricacies of our industry has been immensely beneficial. The collective wisdom and experiences shared within the group have provided invaluable perspectives and solutions to the obstacles we face in our businesses.
Moreover, the opportunity to learn from guest speakers who are experts in various aspects of entrepreneurship has been a game-changer. These sessions not only offer practical advice and strategies but also serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to push our businesses to new heights.
Now, some may question our enthusiasm for the mastermind, assuming bias as its creators. However, the truth is, we created it out of a genuine need. We recognized the importance of having a supportive community and access to expert knowledge, not just for ourselves but for other edupreneurs facing similar challenges.
In essence, the FerskenED Edupreneur Mastermind has been instrumental in our success because it addresses a genuine need within our industry. It's not just a service we offer; it's a reflection of our commitment to supporting and empowering fellow edupreneurs on their entrepreneurial journey. And while others may benefit from the guest speakers we bring in, the true beneficiaries are those of us who rely on this community and its resources to propel our businesses forward.
We know that success is very often a non-linear path. Tell us about a failure, pivot point, or lesson that changed your course or direction and helped to get you where you are today.
One of the most impactful lessons we've learned on our journey with FerskenED came from a failure to maintain a balanced focus on both current projects and future opportunities.
Early on, we were fortunate to secure several key partners to work with through FerskenED. The initial success and excitement of these projects led us to pour all our energy and resources into delivering exceptional results. However, in our zeal to excel in our current endeavors, we inadvertently took our foot off the gas pedal when it came to finding new projects and expanding our client base.
As a result, when those initial projects reached their conclusion, we found ourselves facing a stark reality: our pipeline of future opportunities was alarmingly shallow. The lack of foresight and proactive business development had put us in a precarious financial position, forcing us to scramble to rebuild our pool of potential clients and projects.
This setback served as a powerful pivot point for us. It forced us to reevaluate our approach and recognize the importance of maintaining a balanced focus on both present commitments and future growth opportunities. We realized that success in business is not just about delivering on current projects but also about consistently nurturing and expanding our network, seeking out new partnerships, and staying attuned to emerging trends and opportunities in the market.
Armed with this insight, we implemented a more strategic approach to business development, allocating dedicated time and resources to prospecting, networking, and relationship-building. We also embraced a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation, remaining agile and responsive to changing market dynamics and customer needs.
While the experience of facing a shallow pool of future opportunities was undoubtedly challenging, it ultimately proved to be a valuable lesson that changed our course for the better. It taught us the importance of maintaining a forward-thinking perspective and taking proactive steps to secure the long-term sustainability and growth of our business. Today, we are stronger and more resilient as a result of this experience, better equipped to navigate the non-linear path to success in entrepreneurship.
What unconventional strategy did you employ that significantly impacted your business?
At FerskenED, we believe in investing in the next generation today, and one of the ways we do this is by placing a high value on hiring college interns. While some may view internships as mere stepping stones or temporary positions, we see them as invaluable opportunities for both the interns and our organization.
By providing college interns with real-world experience in the education industry, we offer them a chance to build skills, gain insights, and make meaningful contributions to our company's mission. This hands-on experience not only enhances their resumes but also prepares them for future career opportunities in their chosen field.
Unlike traditional part-time jobs or internships in unrelated industries, working at FerskenED offers interns a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of education entrepreneurship. They have the chance to collaborate with experienced professionals, engage in meaningful projects, and gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the education sector.
Furthermore, hiring college interns allows us to tap into the fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and tech-savvy skills of students currently studying in relevant fields at school. Their enthusiasm, creativity, and eagerness to learn bring a dynamic energy to our team and help us stay agile and innovative in a rapidly evolving industry.
From a practical standpoint, hiring college interns also enables us to access top talent at a discounted rate. While interns benefit from gaining valuable experience and mentorship, we benefit from their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our projects and initiatives.
In a competitive job market where many candidates may have similar backgrounds or experiences, having real-world experience at an education company like FerskenED can set interns apart from the crowd. When faced with a pool of applicants with primarily service industry experience, our interns stand out as candidates with relevant skills, industry knowledge, and a demonstrated commitment to making a difference in education.
Overall, our investment in hiring college interns is not just about filling temporary positions; it's about nurturing talent, shaping future leaders, and building a stronger, more vibrant education community for generations to come.
What’s something you wish you knew sooner that you’d give as advice for aspiring or newer entrepreneurs?
One piece of advice I wish I had known sooner, and would offer to aspiring or newer entrepreneurs, is that entrepreneurship and owning small businesses aren't as daunting as they may initially seem. The water isn't as deep or as cold as your brain may lead you to believe before taking the leap.
Launching and running a business certainly comes with its challenges and uncertainties, but it's important to remember that fear of the unknown shouldn't hold you back from pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. In fact, it's often the fear itself that presents the greatest barrier to success.
Our Founder, Chase Eskelsen, embodies this mindset wholeheartedly. Despite any apprehensions or doubts he may have faced, Chase recognized that entrepreneurship is ultimately about taking calculated risks and embracing the journey, uncertainties and all.
As a testament to this belief, Chase is launching a K-12 grade private school in DFW, TX, focused on creating the next generation of entrepreneurs. By taking this bold step, he's not only demonstrating his commitment to entrepreneurship but also showing others that with vision, determination, and the willingness to learn and adapt, anything is possible.
For aspiring or newer entrepreneurs, my advice would be to trust in your abilities, embrace the unknown, and take that leap of faith. Surround yourself with a supportive network, seek out mentors and resources, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth and resilience as it is about building a successful business. And while the road may have its twists and turns, the rewards of pursuing your passion and making a positive impact on the world are more than worth it in the end.
Want to go deeper into Chase's work? Connect with him using the following links:
- Visit FerskenED website ferskened.com
- Follow FerskenED on LinkedIn Fersken Education LLC
- Find FerskenED on Twitter
- Check out FerskeED's podcast 'A Boomer and a Millennial Walk into a Coffee Bar' on YouTube and Apple Podcast
- Visit ParagoED's website paragoned.org
- Join FerskenED's Edupreneur Mastermind
