Meet Larry Robinson | CEO, KUDZUKIAN

We had the good fortune of connecting with Larry Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larry, how do you think about risk?
KUDZUKIAN’s entire genesis and existence is based on risk. When I started the company, it was a departure from both my corporate and marketing background. I was venturing into completely new territory in terms of the type of work (podcasting, digital content, event production) and this level of overhead/responsibility. However, we are starting to truly reap the rewards.
  

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our company is one of the few one stop shops of its kind in our region. We provide a customized experience for each Client, offering turnkey services. We can take a Client from the big idea to production to promotion. We do the heavy lifting so our Clients, if they so desire, really only need to give us the necessary approvals along the way and show up when needed. On the event production side, we can help define or refine the concept, bring in technical experience (lighting, sound, staging), event management expertise (organization, logistics), vendor recommendations and set design while also capturing content.

There is no growth without pains. Business ownership will push you past your comfort zone. It will stretch you at times to the breaking point. It’s like life is asking you, “How badly do you want it?” But if keep your eyes on the prize AND are willing to pivot as Clients or the market demands, you will breakTHROUGH instead of breaking down. I am a spiritual man, so part of how I overcome challenges is through fervent prayer and meditation. I also exercise daily. Beyond that, a support system is essential. Always keep wise and trusted counsel close by.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I do have friends and family visit Memphis often. Some of my favorite places are Robusto/Havana Mix Cigar Bar, The Grizzlies games, Second Line restaurant, Coastal Fish Company, Alcenia’s, the restaurant at Bass Pro, We have so many great historic museums here — Stax, Slave Haven, Civil Rights Museum, The Brooks. There is a lot of (very good!) live soul music here in Memphis as well. So we would likely catch a performance at somewhere like Suga Shack (shout out to Larry Springfield!), BB King’s, CC’s. If it’s summertime – Tom Lee Park, Fourth Bluff, concerts at Levitt Shell, Leftwich Tennis Center, Audubon Park for golf.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are several people who have supported me and my team along the way. And please forgive me if I miss anyone! Howard and Beverly Robertson and Glenn Sessoms have been wonderful mentors, confidantes and trusted advisors. And of course, there’s my wife Natalie, who is so very smart and diplomatic. She has been my rock for almost 3 decades. The City of Memphis and Shelby County government have trusted us with content and event production for some time. And Mayor-Elect Paul Young gave us our first municipal contract! Last but not least, my team makes KUDZUKIAN what it is. They are the boots on the ground, executing and doing the stellar work that in essence protects our brand and propels us forward, To borrow from the Instagram page, “because of them we can!”

The book that I swear by is The Four Agreements.

Website: http://kudzukian.com

Instagram: @kudzukian

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kudzukian/mycompany/

Twitter: @kudzukian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kudzukian

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKLZ5nYI1HXUW-l7Bh9z3fA

Image Credits
Credits: Demarcus Bowser, KUDZUKIAN