Forge News and Updates |
Our friends at Bham Now recently wrote this piece about Forge member Ryan Robinett with Multiply.
No matter what business you’re in, sales is part of it. That’s why you need to know Ryan Robinett, Principal and Founder of Birmingham-based Multiply.
A firm believer that “good salespeople are built, not born,” Robinett helps companies do more than they ever thought possible with the sales teams they have. Check out Multiply, or keep reading to find out more.
1. Who is Ryan Robinett?
Born and raised in Mountain Brook, where he and his wife are raising their two children, Ryan’s an Auburn grad with an MBA from UAB. After four and a half years at Accenture, he spent 12 years with Computer Technology Solutions (CTS).
When he joined in 2006, “CTS was a smallish IT professional services firm with one office in Birmingham.” He played a number of roles while helping to grow the company to a thriving regional firm.
Before long, Ryan was head of the Birmingham headquarters, then went to start and grow a new office in Chattanooga.
CTS’ success was noticed by CGI, a multibillion-dollar corporation based in Montreal, who bought them in 2017. At first, Ryan served as a VP operating in four states, but found he wasn’t enjoying his work as much as he wanted to.
So, he did what any good entrepreneurially-minded person does: he pivoted. This is where Multiply enters the story.
When Ryan asked himself what he most wanted to do next, he realized he wanted to help companies scale using the three-pronged approach that had worked for him at CTS.
“I boiled it down to three things that I really like—putting people in a position to be successful, equipping people to be successful and then seeing them achieve personal results which create corporate gains.”
Ryan Robinett, Principal of Multiply
2. What is Multiply?
Whether it’s helping a salesperson succeed, building a thriving team or helping existing sales teams, Multiply helps companies grow.
Helping companies scale
“Multiply is all about helping companies scale, which solves a universal problem.
I’ve helped companies that have eight employees, and I also work with some of the largest companies in Birmingham.
I assist them with organizational alignment as it relates to their messaging, their sales processes and the human capital management around preparing their sales team.”
Ryan Robinett, Principal of Multiply
Want to learn more? Visit Multiply at www.askmultiply.com.
Year 1 was a great one for Multiply, and there’s more ahead
Multiply’s had a great first year, serving Birmingham-based public utility companies, research institutions, financial institutions and more.
“I was part of a team that built a great services firm and formed Multiply based on the things I liked to do the most while scaling that company.
I look at 2019 as my first year for Multiply. I started in summer of 2018 and moved to Forge in December 2018. My first customers signed in January, which made for a great 1st year.”
Ryan Robinett, Principal of Multiply
Years 2+ promise to bring even more success: one thing to look for is the rollout of a tech solution that will sit in front of companies’ CRM (customer relationship management) software, that enables companies to better equip and manage their sales teams.
3. While Ryan Robinett’s a one-man show, he’s not alone.
While Ryan might consider adding employees someday, for now, he’s the only member of Multiply.
Because he works at Forge, though, he never has to work alone. Located at The Pizitz, Forge provides shared workspaces as well as office spaces for small businesses.
“When I was working in an office by myself, I couldn’t wait to hire people because I was lonely. Now I still work by myself, but Forge gives me the opportunity to have a coworker experience.
The other Forge workers and I share our day—the good things, the bad things. It checks the boxes of not just working alone, and you have people you develop camaraderie with and enjoy being around.”
Ryan Robinett, Principal of Multiply
Ryan likes that his Forge coworkers are all in different lines of work than he is, giving everyone the opportunity to learn new things and bounce ideas off of each other. Robinett also credits working in the shared space for increasing his productivity.
“There’s a motivation when you see people every day, and you want to tell them that your day is good,” Robinett said.
4. Ryan Robinett’s Birmingham-area favorites
We always love to ask people about their Birmingham-area faves, and Ryan didn’t disappoint with the top three things he and his family enjoy the most about the area.
Restaurant: Parish Seafood & Oyster House in Trussville
Haven’t heard of it? Ryan and his family like it that way. Parish’s is a dress-down kind of place where they’re not likely to run into the types of people who like to be seen out and about, and the seafood’s great.
Outdoor spot: Fishing two miles out on the Gulf of Mexico in a kayak
We realize this is a liberal interpretation of Birmingham-area, but we’ll go with it—because for some people, the beach is, in fact, an extension of their back yard, even if you have to drive a few hours to get there.
Ryan’s basically happiest when he’s out catching sharks or fish bigger than his kayak, and yes, he’s a fan of the Netflix series “Chasing Monsters.”
You can also catch him fishing at Lake Martin.
Local sports: all things UAB and The Birmingham Barons
As the incoming President of UAB’s Alumni Association, Ryan’s a fan of UAB sports, period. Well, that and Auburn football.
Also, he went to the first Barons game at the old stadium in Hoover, and the first one at Regions Field.
5. Have you ever thought about coworking?
If you’re currently trying to run your latest gig out of your recliner or your kitchen table, you may want to give coworking a try in 2020. It just might change your life.
Forge News and Updates |
We are thrilled that our Founder and CEO, Kim Lee, was nominated for the 2019 CEO Awards in the Rising Stars category by the Birmingham Business Journal. The BBJ asked Kim some questions about her journey as an entrepreneur- read on!
What’s the top factor that has allowed you to have a successful career?
“The people who have supported me along the way. Especially my family. There have been some very hard times along this journey, they have always lifted me up and reminded me of what the Lord has called me to do.”
What was the most pivotal moment in your career? What happened and how did you respond?
“Signing the lease for Forge at The Pizitz. Until then, Forge was still in idea stage. Once I signed the lease, the business instantly shifted from an idea to a real business. Every entrepreneur has this shift. It’s scary and exciting at the same time!”
What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?
“I have a master’s in counseling, I planned to work with juvenile delinquents. After graduation, unable to find a job in this field I started working for a window washing company in operations. This is where I realized my love for business as a service.”
What are you most proud of in your career?
“Creating a space and community where entrepreneurs and small business owners have a place where their business can grow and thrive. At Forge our day is made when one of our members tells us a story of how Forge has made a direct impact in their business.”
What is your biggest pet peeve?
“I really, really don’t like hearing people chew their food.”
What do you do outside of the office? What are your top hobbies?
“Our kids are at a great stage, they each have activities that they love. We have a basketball player, soccer player and dancer. One of my greatest joys is watching my kids do what they love. My hobbies are gardening, skiing and wake surfing.”
If you were CEO of Birmingham, what one change would you make to the metro area?
“I am excited about the new ride sharing program, Via. I would work to create more opportunities for public transportation. I would also continue to create incentives that make Birmingham an attractive place to locate your business.”
What’s your sales pitch for why someone should move to metro Birmingham?
“Top three things I love about Birmingham (besides the people) 1. Birmingham is beautiful! 2. Affordability for a city that is on the rise 3. Excellent schools. And then of course, there is the food!”
Forge News and Updates |
Looking for a place to meet in Birmingham? Move your team to a conference room for your next off-site meeting. A change of scenery could help generate your next big idea. Maybe you need space for a board of directors or meet up group- look at this list we’ve compiled! Check out our list of the best conference rooms in Birmingham (in no specific order)!
Forge
Sitting at the heart of downtown Birmingham, Forge offers three beautifully designed conference rooms available for both members and visitors. At Forge, you have options of a smaller 4-person meeting room, a corner conference room, or a rooftop Penthouse conference room. Forge’s rooms have lots of natural light, audio and visual capabilities, and great views overlooking the Birmingham skyline. Book your meeting room today!
Forge Birmingham Conference Room
Forge’s soundproofed Podcast Room
Social Venture
Located in Woodlawn, Social Venture has four conference rooms available. Anyone can rent for 4-hour blocks or an all day rate. These four rooms can be broken down to fit smaller groups, or used to full capacity (holding up to 125 people!), perfect for workshops or training sessions for your team.
The Hub
The Hub is a collaborative coworking space located in Homewood. Whether you’re an entrepreneur eager to take your start-up to the next level, an established company seeking a vibrant work space for your remote employees, The Hub could be the perfect spot for you. They has meeting space for up to 15 people. The room is complete with a 40” HDMI Chromecast enabled screen, WIFI, lounge, greenspace and Seeds Coffee available upon request.
Birmingham Museum of Art
Looking to meet in a space with lots of culture, years of history, and a great location? The Birmingham Museum of Art has two meeting spaces available in 4-hour blocks. The museum has one boardroom style room and another meeting room that can be configured to fit many different layouts. The smallest of the two can hold up to 12 people, and the larger can fit up to 45.
With AV capabilities and lots of great spaces to take a break, the Birmingham Museum of Art is a great place to hold your business meetings.
Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook
Located in the heart of Mountain Brook, this beautiful 5-star hotel offers more than just a place to stay. The 400-person ballroom can be split up into three sections, each holding around 100 people. On the second floor, smaller rooms of 10, 20, and 30-35 people are available for anyone to rent. Call ahead to customize and book your space.
Worx BHM
Worx BHM is a sophisticated community with luxury private office suites and coworking space. With two different locations, they have great options for your group! One location is right off Lakeshore Blvd and the other is off Columbiana. Worx has two conference rooms available to book- one holds 16-20 and the other holds 12-16! People can email info@worxbhm.com or call 205-379-6023 to reserve a time slot.
Elyton Hotel
Located all the way up on the 16th floor, three rooms can be used separately or joined to form one larger meeting room. 1500 square feet make up the Empire room, made to hold up to 125 guests. This room can be split up and configured to accommodate smaller groups. A smaller pre-function area makes this space perfect for larger events and receptions.
If you’re looking for a spot to hold bigger board meetings, the Forge room is the perfect answer. Made to fit around 10-30 people, this room can be set up to fit any preference. Call ahead to reserve your room today! Check it out online here.
The Edge of Chaos
The Edge of Chaos is another great option for smaller groups. Right in downtown Birmingham, these two conference rooms are located in a perfect spot for business meetings. The smaller of the two is designed to seat 6, and the bigger can hold up to 12 people. With smartboard capabilities and affordable prices, The Edge of Chaos may be perfect for your business!
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Forge News and Updates |
We combined our 2nd Birthday with Member Appreciation Week! Without our loyal members there would be no anniversary to celebrate. Food, drink, champagne and massages were all involved in the celebration. We planned something special for each day of the week to show our members how much we care for them!
Magic Muffin has always been a Forge family favorite. Muffins, scones and fruit to get the week started right!
Wednesday: Massages from Adrian Ward of Relaxation Room
Free ten minute massages from Massage Therapist Adrian Ward for our members! Adrian visits Forge monthly and schedules massages for the Forge community. She is an amazing massage therapist and our members certainly love having her around!
Thursday: Cake + Champagne + Birthday Surprise
We surprised our members with Forge t-shirts for everyone!
Friday: Lunch Sponsored by Pies & Pints
Huge thanks to Pie & Pints for sponsoring a huge lunch for our members! Pizza and salad all around! It was a great time for members to relax and get connect with one another.
We take pride in the Forge community and want to share some of our favorite aspects of Forge with you:
OVER 130 FORGE MEMBERS IN OUR WORKSPACE
WE ARE A LOCAL COMPANY IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN
EDUCATIONAL AND NETWORKING EVENTS EACH MONTH (most of which are open to the public!)
CONFERENCE ROOMS THAT ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Do you work from a home office or coffee shops? Do you want to increase your productivity? If you’d like to schedule a tour of our space, email us at info@workatforge.com. We’d love to answer any of your questions about memberships or meeting spaces. Join the Forge community today!
