YMBL SPEAKER SERIES LUNCH
presented by
WITH GUEST SPEAKER
Madison Wickham
Founder, CEO at Grandex, Inc.
Wickham created TotalFratMove.com with fraternity brother Ryan Young, in 2010, starting with just $140 to register the domain name and rent a basic web server. Today Grandex's media network entertains tens of millions of people every month through the creation and publishing of original articles and videos across it's website, mobile apps, and social media accounts. In addition to its digital presences, Grandex has published two successful nation best selling books, including Total Frat Move by W.R. Bolen, which debuted at number 7 on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
In 2011, Grandex launched Rowdy Gentleman, creating a pivot from its advertising-focused sales model to a hybrid media-commerce model. Rowdy Gentleman, a collection of clever t-shirt, hats, and other casual clothing, is available online and through its 450+ brick-and-mortar retail partners nationwide, including major chains like Nordstrom and Dillard’s.
In early 2015 Grandex wrapped up its first ever round of fundraising, where they secured over $2 million in equity financing through a group of individual angel investors. The money raised was primarily used to make key hires, allowing Grandex to grow its team from ~11 people at the beginning of 2014 to nearly 50 people by the end of 2015.
Wickham and Grandex have been featured in Business Insider, Austin Business Journal and Austin American-Statesman. The Austin Business Journal has called Grandex “one of the local startup community’s brightest stars," and in 2015 Grandex was named in the Austin Business Journal’s Fast 50 as one of Austin's fastest-growing companies for the second year in a row.
Madison holds a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas State University and has a professional background in web design and development. He lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Kim and his two children.
