News Summary
Madison McCann, a 29-year-old from Cleveland, Tennessee, has successfully shifted from a pre-med path to establish Speakeasy Productions, a podcast production company. Initially a communication studies major, McCann launched her business as a side hustle while working at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center. Her company has thrived amidst the rising popularity of podcasts, catering to diverse topics and doubling in revenue annually. As she embraces full-time entrepreneurship, McCann continues to focus on effective messaging for her clients while contributing to her community and planning to expand her team.
Tennessee – Madison McCann, a 29-year-old entrepreneur originally from Cleveland, Tennessee, has successfully transitioned from a pre-med academic path to becoming the founder and owner of Speakeasy Productions, a thriving podcast production company based in Chattanooga. This transition comes as the popularity of podcasting continues to surge across America.
After starting her college career at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with a focus on pre-med, McCann quickly realized it was not the right path for her. Following her first semester, she switched her major to communication studies, where she excelled in a public speaking course. This newfound passion for communication led her to add a minor in entrepreneurship, setting the foundation for her future business endeavors.
Speakeasy Productions was launched as McCann’s side hustle while she worked at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, where she served as an office manager and marketing coordinator for six years. During her time at the center, she gained valuable insights into the challenges small businesses face, which would later influence her own business strategy.
As demand for spoken-word content has increased, McCann has successfully developed a client base that includes around a dozen business owners. Her services encompass message refinement and technical support for podcasters, with production costs starting at $1,000 per month. Among her first clients was Mike Costa, a former media executive known for the popular local show “My Morning Cup.”
The range of topics covered by McCann’s clients includes personal finance, marketing, economic development, and sales, highlighting the diversity and adaptability within the podcasting medium. In October 2024, McCann decided to transition to full-time work at Speakeasy Productions due to overwhelming demand and the challenges of balancing both jobs.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, McCann faced personal hurdles, such as self-doubt and risk aversion. With the help of mentorship from significant figures in the business community, she gained the confidence necessary to push forward with her plans. Over the past two years, her business has experienced significant growth, with revenue doubling annually.
McCann places a strong emphasis on effective podcasting that goes beyond simply launching a show. She engages with clients to help identify their target audiences online to ensure their message resonates effectively. As Speakeasy Productions continues to expand operations, McCann plans to hire additional staff to keep up with client demand and further enhance service offerings.
Beyond her business endeavors, McCann is committed to community involvement, serving as a board member for the Young Professionals of Chattanooga. Her personal life includes spending quality time with her poodle, Stella, and exploring new restaurants around the Chattanooga area.
Madison McCann represents a growing trend among young professionals who are successfully harnessing their skills to adapt to a changing media landscape. By pivoting from a traditional career path to entrepreneurship, she exemplifies the innovative spirit found in today’s dynamic economy.
As podcasting continues to boom, McCann’s journey serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to turn their passions into successful careers.
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