From Startup to Exit: Cameron Madill Discusses An Entrepreneur's Path to Success
Cameron Madill’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of vision, adaptability, and strategic decision-making. As the founder of PixelSpoke, Cameron learned invaluable lessons about business as his company grew, and about the importance of focus, teamwork, and personal relationships. We discuss Cameron’s many learnings over the course of his career, including the success he found once he pivoted from providing a wide array of services to any client wanting to work with him to a specific value proposition for a niche market. We also discuss how he knew it was time to step back from the company he founded.
Our interview with Cameron marks the first time we’ve discussed an exit at length with one of our guests, and Cameron’s intentional and supportive method of stepping back from PixelSpoke is both unique and inspiring. He chose to transition the company into an employee co-op. The decision stemmed from his belief in shared ownership and the value of empowering employees. By selling to a co-op, Madill ensured that the company would continue to operate in alignment with its original mission and values, while also providing employees with a stake in its success. This move not only secured the future of the business but also reinforced a culture of collaboration and mutual respect. Madill’s experience highlights the potential for businesses to evolve in ways that prioritize both sustainability and social responsibility, setting an example for other entrepreneurs considering their exit strategies.
Cameron’s story is one of intentionality and purpose. As he embarks on a new project exploring the intersection of marriage and entrepreneurship, Madill continues to advocate for a balanced approach that prioritizes both professional success and personal fulfillment. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that the principles of focus, collaboration, and communication are essential not just in business, but in life itself. Have fun listening to this inspirational and highly informative discussion!
Cameron’s Bio
Cameron Madill is a social impact entrepreneur, renowned for his work building and scaling organizations with a focus on relationship development and leveraging positive psychology principles.
In 2020, he sold PixelSpoke, an award-winning marketing agency, to his employees, creating a thriving example of how entrepreneurs, employees, and all stakeholders can all win through a company’s sale.
In January of 2024, Cameron transitioned to a coaching and advisory role with PixelSpoke, and his new ventures are focused on helping entrepreneurial couples to be more intentional about their relationships.
Cameron has received the Global Citizen of the Year award from Entrepreneurs’ Organization for his work with refugees, the B Economy Leader by the B Corp community for his work building local B Corp communities, as well as numerous other awards such as the Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40. He graduated from Stanford University and is currently getting a Masters degree in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. Cameron lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife, the accomplished entrepreneur Anna Madill, and their 4-year-old son.