Sign In

Shelby Stephens

Founder based in Austin, Texas

Shelby Stephens is an entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas, known for founding GrowthMatch, a company designed to assist businesses with their go-to-market and growth challenges. GrowthMatch also connects independent growth specialists with mission-driven companies, emphasizing the importance of creating value for both clients and professionals in the industry. Shelby has been leading GrowthMatch since September 2021.12

Prior to GrowthMatch, Shelby founded several other ventures, including Jolly, which he worked on from January 2019 until July 2023, and Servable, which he led from December 2016 to January 2019. He also co-founded HubRunner and has held various roles in different startups since 2006.123

Shelby holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington and Lee University (2001-2005) and has participated in the Techstars accelerator program from 2019 to 2020. He is passionate about helping companies grow and has a track record of mentoring other founders.124

Highlights

Aug 27 · linkedin

One of the most effective yet straightforward ways to gather and use customer feedback to inform your product roadmap comes from Rahul Vohra, founder of Superhuman. His product-market fit framework is a game-changer.

Here's the gist: Ask your users how disappointed they'd be if they could no longer use your product or service. Based on their responses, you can strategically shape your product roadmap:

  1. For those who'd be very disappointed, double down on the features they love — this should be about half of your roadmap.

  2. For those who'd be somewhat disappointed, focus on the improvements they suggest — move them from lukewarm to loyal.

This approach helps you systematically improve your product's fit with your customers' needs without getting bogged down in complexity.

Have you tried this framework, or do you have another method for gathering actionable customer feedback?

#CustomerFeedback #ProductMarketFit #CustomerInsights

Video by GrowthMatch

Aug 13 · linkedin

Here's what toilet paper can teach us about innovation.

So, I was on a mission to restock our toilet paper at H-E-B (if you don't live in Texas, H-E-B is the greatest grocery store on the planet).

Among the hundred options, one package caught my eye: toilet paper with "on-the-go rolls" included. As a dad of three young kids, anything labeled "on-the-go" immediately piques my interest. So, naturally, I grabbed it.

Back home, I unwrapped the package, and what did I find? A solid roll of toilet paper with no empty tube in the middle. With a simple press of my thumb, I was able to pop out a neatly wrapped "on-the-go" roll from where the empty core normally is. It was portable and convenient.

It's moments like these that remind me innovation isn't just reserved for high-tech gadgets or groundbreaking inventions. Opportunities for innovation are everywhere, right in front of us, all the time.

Ever had a simple product surprise you with its innovation? What's your favorite example?

#Innovation #CreativeSolutions

Video by GrowthMatch

Related Questions

What inspired Shelby Stephens to start GrowthMatch?
How did Shelby Stephens' experience at Techstars influence his entrepreneurial journey?
What challenges did Shelby Stephens face while founding Jolly?
How does GrowthMatch help companies with go-to-market strategies?
What makes Shelby Stephens' approach to entrepreneurship unique?
Shelby Stephens
Shelby Stephens, photo 1
Shelby Stephens, photo 2
Add to my network

Experience

Founder at GrowthMatch (September 2021 - Present)
Founder at Jolly (January 2019 - July 2023); Founder at Servable (December 2016 - January 2019); Co-founder at HubRunner (February 2013 - October 2016); Partner at Formation (January 2009 - April 2014 at Futron Corporation (August 2005 - May 2006)

Education

Techstars (2019 - 2020); Bachelor of Science from Washington and Lee University (2001 - 2005)

Location

Austin, Texas, United States