He Built The Fastest Growing Company In An $18 Billion Market And Now Invests In Early Stage Founders

Cam Doody’s entrepreneurial journey isn’t just a story of success; it’s a blueprint for aspiring business leaders. During this Dealmaker’s Podcast episode, we talked about the ever-evolving legacy that started with the establishment of Bellhops and continues with Brickyard.

The lessons embedded in his experiences extend beyond the surface, offering insights into the essence of entrepreneurial resilience, strategic decision-making, and the importance of fostering a strong community.

In this extended exploration, we delve deeper into specific challenges faced by Bellhops, Cam’s leadership philosophy, and the broader implications of his ventures in shaping the startup landscape. Let’s dive into this riveting discussion.

Listen to the full podcast episode and review the transcription here.

Born in Houston and Growing Up in East Tennessee

Born in the bustling city of Houston and raised in the scenic landscapes of East Tennessee, Cam Doody’s journey to entrepreneurship is deeply rooted in his Texan origins. His family, hailing from both sides of the Lone Star State, had a significant impact on his formative years.

Cam’s parents, particularly his father, played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial mindset. A surgeon by profession, his father wasn’t just confined to the operating room; he spent countless nights channeling his creativity into inventing, leaving a lasting impression on Cam’s impressionable mind.

The Early Struggles: Navigating a Stagnant Job Market

Cam’s educational journey led him to Auburn University from 2004 to 2009, coinciding with the financial crisis that gripped the nation. Graduating during a period when job opportunities were scarce, he faced the harsh reality of a stagnant market.

Unfazed by the challenges, Cam confronted the uncertainty head-on, a characteristic that would define his entrepreneurial spirit in the years to come.

Escaping the Corporate Cage: The Birth of Bellhops

The conventional corporate environment held little appeal for Cam. He took his first job out of college in a bank in Birmingham. He recounts wearing a full suit and re-pinning debit cards in bank branches, an experience that evoked a profound fear of the corporate world. This fear became the catalyst for his journey into entrepreneurship.

The realization that the corporate landscape was not aligned with his ambitions prompted Cam to seek out opportunities that offered autonomy and potential for growth.

Cam’s next job was in a medical equipment startup company headquartered in Texas. Here, he launched hospice medical services in the states of Alabama and Tennessee and enjoyed some amount of autonomy. But three years down the line, Cam realized he wanted full financial responsibility.

Innovative Solutions: From Labor-Only to Full-Service Moving

Bellhops, initially conceived as a solution for the chaotic process of Auburn University with college students moving in, quickly evolved into a groundbreaking concept. The concept didn’t just disrupt the moving industry; it ushered in a paradigm shift.

The team realized that their labor-based model could be expanded to include full-service moving, a pivotal shift that propelled Bellhops into untapped territories. This innovative approach of an app-based workforce management platform not only addressed the needs of college students but also catered to a broader audience, marking the beginning of Bellhops’s meteoric rise.

Originally, Cam and his team called the venture, Dorm Movers, and using his app, people could put down instructions for the jobs they needed done and make payments.

Venture Capital and Growth: Navigating the Funding Landscape

Cam remembers his initial investment of $1500 which he spent on a booth where they held parent orientation sessions at Auburn. They handed out business cards and described the full scope of the services they were offering. In the first year, they helped 420 students move.

Today, Bellhops is the fastest-growing moving company in the United States, operating in 42 states and executing thousands of moves per year. They are also doing local and long-distance corporate relocations capturing a market space worth a mind-boggling $18B.

To fuel the ambitious expansion plans of Bellhops, Cam delved into the world of venture capital. He recalls their first investment from the Lamp Post Group raising pre-seed funding worth $600K. Over the next decade, the company raised a total of $11.5M from different venture groups.

Storytelling is everything which is something that Cam Doody was able to master. Being able to capture the essence of what you are doing in 15 to 20 slides is the key. For a winning deck, take a look at the pitch deck template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel (see it here) where the most critical slides are highlighted.

Remember to unlock the pitch deck template that is being used by founders around the world to raise millions below.

Raising substantial amounts of capital over the years, the company grew exponentially, establishing itself as a major player in the moving industry. Sometime, in late 2019, Cam sold part of the company for $9M in a private equity transaction.

Cam reflects on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the funding landscape, highlighting the strategic decisions that propelled Bellhops’s trajectory. At one point, the company was growing at 140%, year over year. And then, COVID hit.

The Unconventional Board and Entrepreneurial Resilience

Navigating the complexities of the moving industry, Bellhops faced unforeseen challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cam sheds light on the role of a healthy board, emphasizing the need for strategic discussions over operational reporting.

As the team weathered supply constraints and market uncertainties, the resilience of the entrepreneurial spirit shone through, showcasing the unwavering commitment to success.

Brickyard: Cultivating Junkyard Dogs

After stepping away from the day-to-day operations of Bellhops, Cam embarked on a new venture – Brickyard. This unconventional initiative seeks to back founders with a unique set of qualities – true grit, dedication, and a willingness to embrace extreme sacrifice.

The aim is to create a community of “junkyard dogs,” founders who are in it for the right reasons, setting a new standard in the world of startups. Cam talks about a $20M fund that backs startups.

Looking ahead, Cam envisions Brickyard as a beacon for top-tier teams globally. The goal is to attract founders who willingly opt into the challenges presented by Brickyard, recognizing the sacrifices required for success. As the community grows, it aspires to be a testament to the transformative power of dedication and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey.

Cam reveals how getting into Brickyard is going to be the toughest community to get into. They will be skimming the top teams in the pre and seed rounds to build seed companies from all over the world.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Legacy of Cam Doody

From the early days of Bellhops to the establishment of Brickyard, his imprint on the entrepreneurial landscape is profound. Through triumphs and challenges, Cam’s story serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of “junkyard dogs,” forging their paths in the dynamic world of startups.

Listen in to the full podcast episode to learn more, including:

• The journey showcases the power of resilience, turning challenges into opportunities in the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.
• Bellhops’ success is a testament to the transformative impact of innovation, shifting from labor-only to full-service moving and reshaping the moving industry.
• Strategic prowess and leadership philosophy were instrumental in steering Bellhops to success, setting a standard for the startup ecosystem.
• Beyond business, the commitment to philanthropy and community building highlights the importance of giving back and creating a positive impact.
• Navigating the complex funding landscape, Bellhops’ substantial capital raises fueled its exponential growth, offering insights into venture capital strategies for startups.
• The legacy extends beyond business success, emphasizing the significance of social impact and community engagement in the entrepreneurial journey.
• The transition to Brickyard, the venture aims to redefine the startup ecosystem, nurturing a community of dedicated founders known as “junkyard dogs” committed to extreme sacrifice for success.

SUBSCRIBE ON: