We had the good fortune of connecting with Danielle McCusker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danielle, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind Peer Brands success is the fact that we we’re able to tap into a common belief that is shared by nearly everyone we talk to in our communities. That belief is that small businesses and non-profit organizations are the core of our communities.

Yet small business and non-profits are being impacted much more than their bigger competitors through the pandemic, and they are failing at an alarming rate. Why is that? And what do they need? Can we help?

These questions motivate our business. Small businesses are first to innovate, first to invest and first to run out of cash in a downturn. Government programs have helped to some degree, but we believe that the best thing we can do is to help remove the obstacles and encourage the kind of seed planting that turns into new small businesses. With some encouragement, a fledgling concept can turn into a small employer, and then grow into a successful venture that creates jobs and responds first to unmet needs.

Peer Brands matches resources with these nascent businesses, by providing introduction and connection. The best business idea, if conceived by someone without adequate funding, never gets off the ground. Our mission is to provide a pathway for small business to start and grow by connecting them with unused resources in their communities. The facility is just the product, the software is the tool, but the connection is the support system needed to help both customers succeed. This is relationship management and it’s effective because all parties share the common beliefs and have taken action to help each other achieve results.

The amazing thing that I witness everyday is that regardless of cultural, religious, and political beliefs, there is a peer in your community that is willing to help. All beliefs can be pushed aside for the sake of achieving a goal. Both customers view it as “I can help you and by helping you, it in turn helps us.” That is POWERFUL. Peer Brands has tapped into our customers core beliefs systems to serve a common purpose.

My interpretation of brand equity is market share of the brain meaning how many times do my customers think of Peer Brands? However, what is more powerful is intrinsic motivation. How do I make my customers feel? Is that feeling powerful enough where they take action, does it motivate them? Peer Brands customers are signing up because they are ready to act.

Our mission, vision, and values are why Peer Brands has built a successful brand and that’s because it’s merely a reflection of our customers core belief systems. What they believe in their hearts coupled with a business model that makes logical sense. Our purpose is really their purpose, we’re just the tool that helps them achieve their own goals. It’s a marketplace that connects you to “Your Friend in the Industry.” Peer Brands is the platform for that connection, and that connection is powerful.

What should our readers know about your business?

How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy?
It was a ton of hard work, long hours, perseverance, and a collective group of customers that believed in us and our mission. No, it’s not easy to start a business. It’s a complete rollercoaster so make sure you believe in what you’re doing. I overcame my challenges by having a strong foundation of support from advisors, mentors, customers, and family.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
I learned to spend my time with who and where it was wanted and to maintain focus with my goals at hand. As an entrepreneur it’s easy to get pulled in many directions, so the quicker you can learn to stay focused, the better.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that just because something has been done the same way for a long-time, doesn’t mean it has to keep being done the same way. There are ways to help our communities and individuals that work hard everyday to support them, who are also willing to support you!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m more of a summertime girl, I would definitely take them to a Red Rocks show followed by a tour of all the Hot Springs Colorado has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Peer Brands wouldn’t exist without my team, advisors, and community support. Nicholas Archer-Hamilton has been a rock and has always supported me, sheding light through all the ups and downs. Rod Salyer has given his time and strategic insight to help Peer Brands achieve it goals no matter how busy he is, he’s always there. . Morgan Alu has supported me from the minute it was an idea in my head and has continued to provide insight and support. Thank you Morgan. Andrew James has stuck by me as well and teaches me about the world of tech. My best friend Jason Eddings who quit his job to work for Peer Brands and has helped me get the company off the ground. My entire team has given me unwavering support, they are absolutley amazing individuals that inspire me everyday.

I could not be here without my customers who stuck with me as I learned and continue to learn how to build and scale this company. They believed in me and continue to help me drive this company forward.

My son and family have also been my biggest cheerleaders, I love all of you.

Website: www.PeerBrands.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peer_brands/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peer-brands

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeerBrands

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peersgotyourback

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXi8GAq6QboyRx5jBUM49Iw

Image Credits
Courtesy of Jason Eddings and Colorado Catering Company.

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