Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyeler Viel.
Tyeler, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It all started with an email in late Spring, 2010. I was living in Southern California, heading down a path in my psychology career. People fascinate me: what motivates them, what triggers their reactions, learning their story. I struggled with the need to be more creative in the work I was doing and wanted a career where I could challenge the status quo and really make a difference in building something great.
On that May morning, I opened a message from a graduate school colleague who described a “revolutionary” one to one school that was about to expand across Southern California. The email shared the story of how the ratio of a “one teacher to one student” school started in San Diego, disrupting the traditional school model. With new private financial backing, it was poised to move quickly, opening ten new schools. An immediate need: someone to lead the charge, building brand awareness and outreach in these new markets. This was it. I made my move.
Over eight years, I worked closely with the Founder, Michelle Rose Gilman. We built teams to open over 40+ unique private schools across California, ultimately expanding to the East Coast and then locations across the Dallas Metroplex. Dallas became a hub. It was a game-changer. Being part of such a fast-moving start-up, building the sales and marketing framework from scratch, was an incredible challenge. I had to be bold, creative and relationship-focused. Our favorite line, as a reminder, when we were frustrated or feeling super challenged, was ‘We are building a bike while we are riding it. It’s complicated and okay to stop and re-assess.”
My journey continued when I joined Behavioral Innovations, another high-growth “start-up” company here in Dallas serving children with autism. I left one rocket ship for another. The Founders actually started the company nineteen years ago but received additional private equity funding to aggressively expand centers across Dallas and Texas to bring services to more families. With the expansion plan moving forward, I stepped into the VP Sales & Marketing role. I once again was focused on building out the sales/business development framework from scratch, connecting with the community around a mission I was passionate about.
Being part of these startups help sculpt how I approach my work today. When you’re part of such super intense, fast-moving companies, you learn to be resourceful and stretch yourself where you didn’t think possible.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s much more fun being on a rocky road figuring it out! Being part of start-ups for almost ten years, you do get addicted to the “rocket ship” feeling. It’s like how I would assume a rocket ship would feel: it’s never a smooth journey. Sometimes, it’s hard to catch your breath, there are major “Oh SH#T” moments but it’s never boring. You’re flying towards something incredible but the ride is just as powerful and life-changing.
Of course, with any high growth business, there are daily struggles. You have to be creative, flexible and get curious about the challenging situation rather than letting your anxiety overwhelm you. At times it can seem impossible, but there is always a way.
Some of the other struggles I’ve encountered when you’re growing so quickly has been around critical communication. Misses in communication can quickly lead to confusion and gaps in being aligned towards the same goal. You realize that everyone is rowing in different directions, almost creating a “null” effect at times where you’re not making headway because everyone is pushing hard in opposite directions. This is when it’s urgent to stop, re-assess and get aligned again.
The Founder of Fusion Academy, who also runs a site for women entrepreneurs (www.wellheeledwarrior.com), Michelle Rose Gilman says it beautifully, “We stumble. We get scared. We doubt. We falter. We self-judge. We slow down. And sometimes, we crash and burn. But it’s never an ending, sister. It’s a life experiencing all of itself. Allow the ALL of life to exist within you. And when you are ready (and you will be), life off and begin again!”
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Behavioral Innovations – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My Sales and Marketing roles over the last ten years have been with two successful start-up private equity companies expanding here in Dallas. Both companies were started by women entrepreneurs. They were and still are passionate about making a radical impact, challenging the status quo and making a positive difference in this world. It’s what drew me to both companies. I loved their relentless determination and the courage they had to take the leap to do their own thing.
My roles in these startups have been focused on developing creative strategies to drive the brand awareness, relationship-based selling, and delivering top-notch customer experience processes. It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s where I feel alive.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
The moment I set foot for the first time in Dallas almost seven years ago, I felt more connected to this city than I ever did in Los Angeles. It felt like home. I remember stepping off the plane and everyone was so friendly and helpful. As the days went by I commented that it felt like “Disneyland” with electric energy. The economy here is growing rapidly. It fits my drive for that “rocket ship” mentality that I’ve shared. I love the fast-paced, high growth culture that is DFW where connection matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linkedin.
com/in/tyelerviel/ - Phone: 5303567099
- Email: tyelerviel@yahoo.com
- Other: https://medium.com/@
tyelermichele
Image Credit:
Behavioral Innovations and Fusion Academy
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