Adam Corrin is the 26-year-old founder of EpicRise, a platform to help ‘Rising Stars’ connect with ‘Industry Leaders’ across many different industries and categories. Drawing on inspiration from his job hunting days, Adam created EpicRise to help other aspiring YPs build their marketability through unique and educational experiences. Find out more in today’s YEDaily.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Think Linkedin for Gen ‘Now.’ EpicRise provides a platform and a voice for young Rising Stars to promote/showcase themselves in a creative and professional manner. At the same time, we connect these Rising Stars with Industry Leaders across all categories with educational and ‘notable’ experiences: a 15-minute Skype call with the CEO of a Fortune 500 company; a ‘Day in the Life’ with the founder of the fastest growing retail chain in Canada; coffee with Richard Branson 3,000 ft. up in the air in his hot air balloon (someday!), etc.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
When I was in my final year of undergrad I began the process of the ‘job hunt’ – reaching out to Industry Leaders, submitting resumes, cover letters, phone calls, emails, etc. Looking around, I quickly realized that I was not alone in this process and knew that there must be a better way. Promoting myself and getting recognized was my primary objective.
I started experimenting with different ways to accomplish this. For example, I sent out a video resume to several notable Industry Leaders asking for a quick 5-minute Skype call – several of which turned into 30 minute calls. Once on the call, it was up to me to prove myself, but getting that initial 5 minutes was the difficult part.
Getting face-to-face meetings is all about connections and who you know rather than based on merit. I have set out to solve that problem – everyone should get a chance to prove themselves for at least 5 minutes – and I’m providing the platform to do so.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is not having to answer to anyone and being solely responsible for every decision that needs to be made. The most challenging part is being totally responsible for every decision that needs to be made.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
The end goal is that any Industry Leader anywhere around the world can use our platform to give back in their own meaningful terms and for any Rising Star to get an opportunity to be part of that experience.
What does success look like to you?
Burning the candle at both ends; being able to work hard and play hard.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I’m still very much in the early stages, but definitely thus far is putting together my great team. The EpicRise team is young, talented, and energetic – it is great learning, working, and collaborating with them on a daily basis.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Finding a good idea is not the hard part. Executing that good idea is a different matter entirely.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
My brother, sister, and I have established an endowment fund within a foundation that gives us the opportunity to donate the proceeds to a charity of our choice on an annual basis.
What is Notable to you?
Successful entrepreneurs and picking their brains.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I do something active everyday – either running, playing hockey, cycling, yoga, or weights. I also eat Freshii everyday, twice a day!