Scott Fishman – EforAll South Coast

Scott Fishman teaches Management, Marketing & Innovation at two universities.  He’s also an angel investor, advisor and consultant. As if all of that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he’s also an actor in community theater where he met entrepreneurs going through the EforAll South Coast Accelerator.  Fast forward to now and he is now mentoring his third EforAll South Coast venture.  

What made you want to become a mentor?

I have the great luxury at this point of my life of doing things that give me satisfaction and giving back to the community, although it sounds cliche, it’s true. It’s not something new in my life, I’ve been mentoring almost all my life. When you give, you get as much back. 

Can you give us some examples of the kinds of startups you have mentored with us?

My last mentee has an artisanal Kombucha business, selling her products in farmers’ markets. She’s growing her business fast. The other one was a graphic arts person who is very talented. 

What is your favorite part of being an EforAll mentor?

It broke me out of my familiarity and comfort zone. But, the most remarkable thing about EforAll is that it enabled me to take everything that I know about building a business and use it in a completely different environment from what I’ve been doing for 30+ years where I worked with big companies. 

What advice would you have for entrepreneurs?

It’s the same advice I give to my students or anybody who’s thinking about starting a business or changing careers,  don’t chase something that doesn’t fit.  Starting a business is hard. You have to wake up in the morning and feel excited about what you’re doing.  

Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn more here.