Rising ICON #14: Jeff Lin
What name do you prefer to be called?
Jeff
What are your pronouns?
He/him
Where did you grow up?
Oberlin, Ohio. Known to some as “the town that started the Civil War.” Lots of deep history there, Google it.
What city are you currently based in?
Minneapolis, MN
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
Hey, I’m Jeff. I recently co-founded Pennant, a technology platform that enables performing artists to launch their own custom-branded subscription video channel for TV, web, mobile and mixed reality. I founded Bust Out in 2005, a company that designs and builds websites, apps, and digital experiences.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.
Who do you help?
Pennant helps performing artists and performing arts organizations generate recurring revenue through a custom-branded subscription video channel that engages their fans and patrons.
What are you building now?
We’re building Pennant from the ground up using the design, strategy, and engineering talent from Bust Out fueled by venture capital from American Public Media Group and Groove Capital.
What were you building ten years ago today?
In 2013 I was already eight years into running Bust Out. We were in a stage of growth from scrappy agency to established business.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I will be operating a foundation or impact investment firm that deploys capital to organizations and companies that are innovating ways to make the world a better place.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
People, relationships, and happiness are more important and valuable than technology.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
Ultimately what we do at both Pennant and Bust Out is help our customers and clients be better at what they are already great at. They’re doing good work and radiating positive energy, and we are just amplifying them.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
My parents. Work hard, be humble.
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
I was a cast member on the 2004 reality TV series “Colonial House” on PBS. One of the best experiences of my life. I can also check “Appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show” off my bucket list.
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I would love a mention in the Trapital newsletter.
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
Kevin Roose or Dave Chang. Kevin because he’s a great tech journalist from my hometown, and Dave because he’s an inspiration as a successful Asian-American chef, entrepreneur, podcast host, and entertainment personality.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Finding Joy and Happiness in Everything You Do
What award would mean the most to win?
Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. That would mean I will have succeeded entrepreneurially and philanthropically.
What makes zero sense to you?
People who hate others.
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
Visionary. This word should be reserved for those who are truly visionary.
What game are you changing?
Entrepreneurship. It’s not just for business and finance-minded people. It’s for anybody who has passion for something and a desire to move the world forward.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
Music and the arts.
Where can we follow you online?
I’m @jefflin pretty much everywhere. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflin/
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Humility.
A few other places to find Jeff online:
https://pennant.tv
https://bustout.com
https://jefflin.net
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Jeff, for sharing your story!
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“Entrepreneurship. It’s not just for business and finance-minded people. It’s for anybody who has passion for something and a desire to move the world forward.”
Notice: It’s important for our readers to understand the origin of the interview content. The featured ICON contributed responses that were not edited from the original submission. All claims are made solely by the contributor and do not reflect the views of LAUREL or its partners. Thank you for supporting rising leaders. The future is bold.
