We were lucky to catch up with Joe Knaub recently and have shared our conversation below.
Joe, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
One thing that sets us apart from the industry standard is our hands-on approach to customer service. We believe in building personal relationships with our customers, ensuring they feel heard and valued every step of the way. Unlike larger companies that often rely on automated systems, we take the time to address each project directly, offering tailored solutions that fit each customer’s needs. This approach creates a more positive experience and helps us truly understand and serve our customers better. It’s a difference that makes a big impact, and we’re proud of the strong connections we’ve built because of it.
For example, we have a customer who was looking to create some custom apparel, which they had done in the past. We asked them for the colors of the ink they would like printed on their shirts. When they provided the color, we realized that their previous order actually had the wrong color since the previous company had not requested this information. Now all their custom apparel and promotional products have accurate color and properly represent the brand.
Joe, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m passionate about delivering exceptional customer service with a personal touch. I got into this field because I truly believe that small businesses can make a big impact by focusing on the individual needs of their customers. I have gained experience through many sales job and learned the best ways to treat potential customers. Through hands-on involvement, I provide personalized solutions that help solve a wide range of challenges for my clients, whether it’s improving their customer experience or finding creative, custom approaches to their business needs.
What sets me apart is the deep commitment to being available and engaged—no call centers or automated responses here. I’m directly involved in every project and strive to create meaningful connections. I’m most proud of the strong relationships I’ve built over the years and the trust clients have in my work. What I want potential clients to know is that I’m dedicated to providing real solutions with a personal touch—something that’s often missing in larger, more impersonal businesses.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
Genuine care for your employees and their well-being. Creating “culture” comes from the people, not practices. I believe it’s important for employees to see that their employers care about them more than just their paychecks. Employees, like most of us, want to feel included and appreciated. Simply acknowledging or asking how people are doing outside work can open the door to fostering “high morale.” Management teams should be connected to their team to help each individual of that team reach their highest potential.
Have you ever had to pivot?
About 2 years ago, everything changed for me. I was laid off from my job working for another startup that flopped. My relationship with my partner at the time was falling apart. It felt like the world around me was crumbling down. I spent a few months working through my personal life, finding a new place to live, changing bad habits, and working on myself.
That’s when CB Disco came along. My now colleague and long-time friend was looking for someone to assist him in his thriving new business. This seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to jump into, and since then, I haven’t looked back. I have grown so much personally and professionally over the last 2 years, it blows me away. If you had asked me three years ago if I thought I could be sitting where I am now, I would have probably laughed you out of the room. Now, I am more excited than ever about my career and what will come from it.
No matter how bad it gets, sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cbdisco.com
- Instagram: cb.disco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knaub-8398b630/
