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Name: Rich Willmott
Age: 53
Business: Squawk Voices
Type of Business: Voiceover agency
Years in Business: 5
Contact Information: hello(at)squawkvoices(dot)com
Personal Website: https://www.richwillmott.com/
What does your company do?
Squawk Voices is a London-based voiceover agency with more than 20 years of industry experience working with artists and production houses. We pride ourselves on our fast turnaround to brief requests and having one of the best search functions on the website for quickly finding exactly what clients need. We deliver voiceovers for television and cinema commercials, narrations, audiobooks, video games, explainer videos, and radio.
What made you want to be an entrepreneur?
Essentially I wanted to be my own boss and have the freedom that this provides. Working as a voiceover agent meant making a living from something I always wanted to do. It gives me satisfaction and flexibility. The challenge to build the company from scratch and to become one of the best voice agents by keeping our artists happy is what drives me.
Why did you choose your business?
My background is in the world of advertising as a creative so I had gained considerable experience sourcing and directing voiceover talent. Myself and my business partner Bill, both loved working with voices and had wanted to set up a voice agency for some time.
What prepared you for entrepreneurship?
I had invested my time researching the voiceover business and reviewed what the potential competitors were doing, I then planned for what the business would require prior to and during the company launch. I had already built up the necessary skillset that would be needed to run the company.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Squawk is now one of the most recognized and much-respected voiceover agencies in the United Kingdom. Having initially started out as a boutique shop, we continue to expand our roster of talented artists.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur?
The pride and satisfaction of creating Squawk as a successful business from scratch have been the most rewarding for me. There is also a good feeling that we are helping another creative-minded talent out there to hopefully fulfill their career dreams. It’s such a great feeling when I can offer one of our artists a fantastic VO job.
What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?
The hardest thing is attracting new business and hoping that potential clients look beyond their regular voice agencies they use and entrust a brief to the new kids on the block.
Is there anything you wish you’d done differently?
It would be interesting to have started out with more artists on the roster, but then I feel starting small has let us have a closer connection with our artists.
How can others get started in this business?
- Ideally, they should have a passion for voiceovers.
- Do you have a USP? What will make you stand out in a very competitive market?
- Know your audience and your competition.
- Learn from your mistakes.
- Network and more networks to succeed.
Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs?
Being conscious of your entrepreneurial status, actively pursuing goals, and following your dreams will make the world a better place. If you want to evolve as a future entrepreneur, the world requires role models to inspire greatness in every generation.
You are a role model if you are a leader in any way. You can lead with grace and forward movement or not – It is entirely your choice. Maybe you are reading this interview post because it is time for you to step into an entrepreneur’s shoes and walk the talk. Focus on strategic training, skill development, networking with others, and most importantly – building your personal brand. Get inspired and push yourself.
