Advice Line with Angie Hicks of Angi

In this episode, Guy Raz welcomes Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angie (formerly Angie's List), to discuss the evolution of her business and share advice on managing growth and customer engagement. Hicks reflects on her experience of building Angie's List from a simple directory of contractors into a comprehensive platform for home services, emphasizing the importance of personal touch and accessibility in customer service.

The conversation explores the transition from Angie's List to Angie, highlighting the need to modernize branding and streamline services. Hicks shares how she stays connected with both her team and the customers through office hours and direct communications, fostering a culture of open dialogue.

The episode also features calls from entrepreneurs seeking advice, including Paige McReynolds of McRey Motocross Co., who inquires about funding and expanding her women's dirt bike gear brand, and Diane O'Connor of Westin Table, who discusses the decision to bring on investment and relinquish some control. Hicks provides guidance on the need for strategic partnerships and the significance of carefully selecting investors who align with the company’s vision.

In closing, Hicks stresses the value of learning from experiences and maintaining a balance between expertise and growth as a business evolves. The emphasis remains on the importance of understanding customer needs and personalizing services within a competitive market.