That Time I Chatted with Jim Estill

Teeter Talks with Marissa Teeter

On this episode of Teeter Talks, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jim Estill, a visionary technology entrepreneur and philanthropist whose journey is a testament to innovation and giving back. Jim began his entrepreneurial career in the most unassuming way, selling computer hardware from the trunk of his car. What started as a quest to design circuit boards turned into a booming business that achieved over $2 billion in sales. With a System Design Engineering background, Jim has mentored over 150 tech startups, including BlackBerry, where he served on the board for 13 years. After a brief retirement, he took the reins of Danby Appliances, buying the company and leading it as CEO. Beyond his business achievements, Jim is deeply committed to philanthropy, having sponsored over 1,000 refugees and founded a furniture bank to assist those in need. His experience offers invaluable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, and creating a positive impact, making him a true innovator and community leader. Join us today as we dive into these topics:

• Jim’s commitment to supporting refugees through a business lens, showcasing the power of social responsibility and authenticity in making a difference.
• Examining how traits like drive, politeness, and timeliness have become competitive advantages.
• Jim’s inspiring journey from starting a business out of his trunk to achieving $2 billion in sales, exploring the roles of studying predecessors, luck, and timing influenced his success.
• The concept of great leaders as servant leaders, and how seeing more money as a tool to do more good shapes their impact.

What a truly enriching conversation with Jim Estill! I hope you gained as much insight from his journey and wisdom as I did. Don't forget to check out the links below to connect with Jim and support the podcast by leaving a rating and review if you enjoyed the episode!
Jim’s Links:
Website: Danby
Circle Homes: Circle Home Furniture Bank

Marissa's Links:
• Marissa's Website
• Marissa's Instagram
• Teeter Talks Instagram
• Marissa's LinkedIn