5 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
How EO Baltimore helped these Maryland entrepreneurs find success
Entrepreneurship is a journey paved by resilience, ingenuity, grit, hustle, and — if you are a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) — a supportive community. In Maryland, EO is a cornerstone for business owners, offering a network for learning and personal/professional growth. Today, we delve into the stories of four inspiring entrepreneurs who not only built successful businesses but also contribute significantly to Maryland's entrepreneurial landscape.
Brian Taylor, CEO of Goldiata, a digital marketing agency in Baltimore, helps businesses, organizations, and schools increase reach and visibility using online marketing. Goldiata blossomed into a rapidly growing agency, with a massive goal of giving back by donating a quarter of a million dollars by 2028.
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Brian Taylor, CEO of Goldiata
'Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I met an EO member. They encouraged me to check out the EO Accelerator (EOA) program. At the time, I wasn't sure what that would mean for me. But as it turns out, that recommendation changed everything,' Taylor says.
In EOA, Taylor didn't just learn how to run a business — he learned how to lead one. 'The operational components — cash flow, systems, and people management — were like puzzle pieces scattered on the table, and I didn't know how to fit them together. EOA gave me the tools to build that foundation. It was practical, actionable knowledge.'
Goldiata reached $1 million in revenue within its first year in the EOA program. That success allowed Taylor to graduate to EO, and 'that opened up a world I could never have imagined,' he says.
Taylor has also been recognized by the Maryland Small Business Association as a top Young Entrepreneur.
Nick Modha is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Baltimore based Monkey in the Metal, a provider of premier solid wood and metal fabrication services. The company specializes in architectural millwork, custom furniture, signage, and artwork for multi-family residential, hospitality, retail, and restaurant spaces. Architects, interior designers, and national level general contractors rely on the company for typical decorative elements, as well as the unusual items.
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Nick Modha, founder, Monkey in the Metal
Modha also joined EO through its Accelerator Program. 'EO changed everything for me. There's something powerful about being part of a community where everyone genuinely wants to improve — not just in business, but all aspects of life — and actually help each other along that journey. If you're an entrepreneur feeling isolated, this community is for you,' he says.
Shannon Roberts is CEO of Brand Builders, an event marketing and staffing firm, specializing in the wine, spirits and cannabis industries. Roberts didn't plan to be an entrepreneur, but in her 2009 exit interview from Jagermeister, she explained the reason for her resignation: The company had not adopted a single suggestion she offered about streamlining/modernizing operations, so she started her own company and used those ideas as the foundation for her operational structure.
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Shannon Roberts, CEO, Brand Builders
Brand Builders conducts live events, like store tastings and festivals, so when Covid canceled her entire event schedule, Roberts relied on her EO Community for advice and support. 'The EO network sprang into action, delivering an abundance of impactful and relevant content virtually. My forum basically prevented me from bankrupting myself, and because of EO, I was able rebuild the company,' she says.
In 2020, Roberts took her love of entrepreneurism a step further and became an Entrepreneurial Operating System Implementer. 'The EOS work I do is truly rewarding and scratches my problem-solving itch while I help my clients' businesses become more manageable, more scalable, and more profitable,' she says.
Jim Schaefer, founder and president of Schaefer Homes, a construction company that builds new homes in Maryland and Delaware. Since 2016, Schaefer Homes has created attractive, efficient, and attainable homes. Schaefer recalls a financial crisis in 2022, which led him to leveraging his waterman's license and selling crabs roadside in an effort to keep the company and his family afloat.
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Jim Schaefer, founder and president, Schaefer Homes
'Since joining EO in 2023, the impact has been transformative. My forum helped me realize that personal growth was key to my business success, showing me the only person holding me back was me. With peer support, I've achieved measurable growth: my revenue went from $2.5 million in 2022 to $7.9 million in 2023, with projections of $25 million for 2025. But the numbers tell only part of the story. The insights I've gained have stabilized my mental state, allowing me to tackle challenges with focus and resilience. The relationships I've built with other members continue to inspire and motivate me,' Schaefer says.
To become a member of EO, you must own a business that's generating at least $1 million in annual revenue or join our Accelerator Program, which accepts entrepreneurs whose businesses range from $250,000 to $1 million in revenue and are looking to grow to a million within two to four years.
