We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dylan Huey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dylan below.

Dylan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Being a business owner can be really hard sometimes. It’s rewarding, but most business owners we’ve spoken sometimes think about what it would have been like to have had a regular job instead. Have you ever wondered that yourself? Maybe you can talk to us about a time when you felt this way?

As a business owner, I often find myself reflecting on my journey and the choices I’ve made along the way. There’s a unique blend of exhilaration and challenge in running a business, and it definitely shapes my sense of happiness. To answer your question, yes, I am happier as a business owner, but it’s a nuanced happiness that comes with its own set of complexities.

There was a moment not too long ago when I found myself wondering what it would be like to have a regular job. It was during a particularly stressful period while expanding REACH. We were onboarding several new universities simultaneously, negotiating with new partners, and managing a major campaign with a tight deadline. The pressure was immense, and the stakes felt incredibly high.

One evening, after a long day of back-to-back meetings and dealing with unexpected issues, I came home feeling completely drained. I remember collapsing onto my couch, staring at the ceiling, and thinking about how different life might be if I had a 9-to-5 job. The idea of clocking out at a set time, not carrying the weight of every decision, and having a clear boundary between work and personal life seemed almost surreal.

I imagined a scenario where I could leave work at the office, spend my evenings and weekends disconnected from job-related stress, and perhaps even pursue hobbies without the constant undercurrent of responsibility. The picture I painted was one of simplicity and predictability, something that felt very distant from my reality.

But as I delved deeper into this thought experiment, I realized that while a regular job might offer certain comforts and a more structured routine, it would also lack the very elements that fuel my passion and drive. The freedom to innovate, the thrill of building something from the ground up, and the ability to make a tangible impact on the lives of creators and influencers are aspects of my work that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Moreover, the challenges and pressures I face as a business owner have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. They push me to constantly evolve, learn, and adapt. This journey, with all its ups and downs, has shaped me into the person I am today.

So, while the idea of a regular job occasionally crosses my mind, especially during tough times, it serves more as a reminder of why I chose this path in the first place. The conclusion I always come back to is that the unique happiness and fulfillment I derive from being a business owner far outweigh any fleeting thoughts of an alternative career. This realization reinforces my commitment to my work and the vision I have for REACH and my other ventures.

Dylan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey began in Silicon Valley, where I grew up in a tech-savvy environment that fueled my passion for digital media and innovation.

I first ventured into the digital world at the age of 16, as a content creator and also a manager of social media creators with a collective following of over 100 million. These experiences honed my skills in social media strategy, content creation, and influencer management.

Today, I am the Founder and CEO of REACH, the premier national creator and influencer organization. REACH started as a student-led collegiate chapter at the University of Southern California (USC) and has since expanded to over 75 universities nationwide, including prestigious institutions like UCLA, Penn State, and Duke University. Our mission is to support college creators, helping them balance their academic pursuits with their passion for digital content creation.

At REACH, we offer a range of services, including creator workshops, influencer content days, university-specific socials, and events with guest speakers from industry giants like Google, Disney, Snapchat, Twitter, TikTok, and Meta. We bridge the gap between students and industry professionals, providing invaluable insights and connections that help our members excel in the digital landscape.

One of the core problems we solve for our clients is the challenge of managing a successful social media career while pursuing a college education. Many young creators face immense pressure and often feel they have to choose between their studies and their passion. REACH offers a supportive community and resources that empower creators to thrive in both areas, ensuring they do not have to sacrifice their education for their careers.

What sets REACH apart is our unique blend of education, community, and industry connections. We have amassed a following of over 350 million across our chapters, creating a dynamic network of influencers and digital marketers. Our ability to forge strategic partnerships with major brands and platforms further enhances the opportunities we provide to our members.

Personally, I am most proud of the impact REACH has had on the lives of young creators. Seeing our members grow, succeed, and balance their education with their digital careers is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms the vision I had when founding REACH and motivates me to continue expanding our reach and influence.

In addition to REACH, I co-founded Daisy, a creator economy tech platform aimed at amplifying creator networks and creating new revenue streams for influencers. This venture, along with my active presence on social media platforms like Snapchat and LinkedIn, where I garner millions of daily views and engagement, showcases my commitment to innovation and supporting the creator community.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a passion for digital media, innovation, and mental health advocacy. My TEDx talk, “Social Media Saved My Life,” underscores my commitment to leveraging social media for positive change. Through REACH, Daisy, and my other ventures, I strive to create environments where creators can thrive, innovate, and make a meaningful impact.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for REACH, particularly on the business side of our agency, has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and direct outreach efforts. Our unique positioning within the influencer and creator space has naturally led to a strong network effect, where satisfied clients and successful campaigns speak volumes, leading to organic referrals and repeat business.

Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for us. When brands see the authentic engagement and impactful results we achieve with our influencer campaigns, they are often eager to share their positive experiences with peers in the industry. This has created a ripple effect, allowing us to connect with new clients who come to us with a strong sense of trust and anticipation for the value we can deliver.

In addition to word-of-mouth, direct outreach has been a key strategy. Personally, I’ve been very proactive in reaching out to potential clients, showcasing the unique benefits of partnering with REACH. This involves presenting case studies, sharing success stories, and demonstrating how our deep understanding of the creator economy can help brands achieve their marketing goals. Our strategic partnerships with major platforms like YouTube, Disney, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta also lend credibility and attract interest from prospective clients.

By leveraging both these approaches, we’ve been able to steadily grow our client base and establish REACH as a leading agency in the influencer marketing space. This dual strategy not only brings in new clients but also strengthens our relationships with existing ones, fostering a cycle of ongoing collaboration and success.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Several key factors have helped me build my reputation within the influencer and creator market:

1. Authentic Engagement and Results: From the very beginning, my focus has been on delivering genuine and impactful results. Managing creators like Chase Hudson (Huddy) and guiding their exponential growth established a track record of success. This foundation of authenticity and tangible outcomes has been instrumental in building trust and credibility within the industry.

2. Strategic Partnerships: Forming strategic partnerships with industry giants has significantly bolstered my reputation. These collaborations not only provided valuable resources and opportunities for REACH members but also positioned REACH as a serious player in the creator economy.

3. Educational Initiatives and Community Building: Through REACH, I’ve emphasized the importance of education and community. Hosting workshops, influencer content days, and events with guest speakers from top companies has created a vibrant, supportive environment for creators. This focus on fostering a community where influencers can learn and grow together has set REACH apart and established a reputation for nurturing talent.

4. Personal Involvement and Advocacy: My personal involvement in every aspect of REACH, from brand campaigns to speaking engagements, has been crucial. My TEDx talk, “Social Media Saved My Life,” highlighted my commitment to mental health advocacy and positive social media use. This dedication to leveraging social media for good has resonated deeply with both creators and brands.

5. Consistent Presence and Innovation: Maintaining a consistent presence on platforms like Snapchat and LinkedIn, where I engage actively and share insights, has helped me stay relevant and influential. Additionally, co-founding Daisy Pay, a tech platform for creator network amplification, showcases my commitment to innovation and addressing industry needs.

6. Positive Word of Mouth and Referrals: Satisfied clients and successful campaigns have led to strong word-of-mouth referrals. This organic growth, fueled by positive experiences shared within the industry, has been a powerful driver in building a solid reputation.

7. Press Coverage and Public Speaking: Coverage in esteemed publications like The Information, BBC, Business Insider, and Fast Company, along with speaking at major industry conferences like CES and VidCon, has amplified my visibility and credibility. These platforms have allowed me to share my vision and expertise with a broader audience, further solidifying my reputation.

Combining these elements, I’ve built a reputation grounded in authenticity, strategic collaboration, community support, and continuous innovation. This multifaceted approach has not only established me as a trusted leader in the influencer market but also positioned REACH as a premier organization for creators and brands alike.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dylanhuey.me/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rodinflash/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanhuey40/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rodinflash
• Youtube: https://twitter.com/rodinflash