What Tailgates Taught Me About Building A Business

Growth starts with providing an exceptional experience.

It all started with the cheesesteaks.

When I hosted my first Penn State tailgate in the fall of 2015, I had no idea what it would become. Back then, it was simple: about 20 people, a couple of coolers, and a grill loaded with eggs, bacon, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and hamburgers. It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. People came, they ate, and they had a good time.

Fast forward to today, and those same tailgates have grown into something much bigger. Now, we’ll see as many as 150 people stop by. The menu has expanded far beyond the original cheesesteaks (which have quadrupled in quantity) to include breakfast sandwiches, bagel bars, pancakes, pork sandwiches, crab fried rice, tacos, tomato pies, mac and cheese, and desserts. We’ve even brought in live music to enhance the experience.

So, what changed?

Catering to the audience

We didn’t reinvent the tailgate every year. We simply paid attention. We noticed what people loved (back to the cheesesteaks). We added variety so there was something for everyone. And we built on the elements that created the most energy and enjoyment: good food, good music, and good company.

This is precisely how we’ve grown Visio Wealth Partners.

Our growth hasn’t been about trying to be everything to everyone. It’s about listening carefully to what independent advisors need, focusing on the things that make the biggest difference, and refining the experience year after year.

Similar to hosting tailgates, we’ve learned that:

• People come back for the things they like. Consistency builds trust.
• Variety makes them stay. Continually refining and enhancing the experience makes it even better.
• Community is powerful. Our tailgates grew naturally, with friends and family inviting their own friends and family to join in. Visio was built by advisors, for advisors, and the financial professionals we’ve helped are now helping us spread the word.

Growth isn’t random

Whether it’s a tailgate or a business, steady growth doesn’t happen by accident. At Visio Wealth Partners, our expanding services, network, and expertise have been intentional, fueled by paying attention to what advisors truly value.

If you haven’t placed a case with Visio, now’s the time. Just like a great tailgate, the right partnership is all about the experience, and we’re confident that the Visio experience will keep you coming back, season after season.