[Update] Sleepbus founder Simon Rowe thanks a strong brand for getting him through COVID | #551

I love catching up with past guests. Especially those marketing a not-for-profit organisation that are smashing it, and making this crazy world a better place, all at the same time. It’s a touching episode 551 of The (12 year-old, award-winning) Small Business Big Marketing podcast.

A Little More About Sleepbus Founder Simon Rowe …

Simon Rowe is a special breed of entrepreneur who first appeared on this show three years ago. 

Back then, he’d just left his high-flying corporate job after the sight of an exhausted looking homeless person inspired him to create SleepBus … a safe, temporary, overnight accommodation service on purpose-built buses.

Simon (and now his son) do everything … from sourcing and purchasing old buses, to retro-fitting them (each bus has around 20 sleeping pods), to seeking sponsorship, to marketing, to driving the buses at night to pick up and accommodate those less fortunate than you and I.

This guy really is an angel.

Now, I know you listen in for marketing ideas and insights. Well, there’s plenty of those as Simon shares how strong branding has saved him more than once, how Rocky Balboa got him through COVID, and why focusing on one-thing is best for business.

But I’d love it if you could also listen out for ways to support Simon on his mission to give every homeless person in Australia a safe night’s sleep. Maybe through a donation which you can make at Sleepbus.org … or maybe you know people in high places who can write big cheques … or at the very least, send him a note of encouragement via his Facebook at SleepBusAustralia.

I started off by asking Simon to give us a sense of where Sleepbus is at in April 2021.

Timbo’s Top 3 Attention Grabbers from his chat with Sleepbus founder Simon Rowe

1. I love Simon’s Dreamliner idea. Once tickets go on sale I’ll be promoting the bejesus out of them.
2. I love how determined he is in focussing on offering a safe night’ sleep, and avoids being distracted by all the other possible brand extensions that, whilst they’re much needed, would weaken what he’s truly set out to do.
3. “Do what you love.” Could you hear the passion in his voice? I can assure you, I could absolutely see it in his eyes! Simon is just one of the guys you love to be around!

Other chats with founders doing good in the world:

Thankyou’s Daniel Flynn

The Orange Sky Laundry boys

The Trade Mutt lads

Last Week’s Episode of The Small Business Big Marketing Podcast

Episode 550 – Guy Grossi on creating a memorable customer experience

Thanks for tuning in. May your marketing be the best marketing.