In a recent episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee interviewed Lana Fox, co-founder and CEO of ClinicNote, at Jethro’s Barbecue Studio. The conversation began with a light-hearted discussion about their favorite menu items at Jethro’s, setting a friendly and casual tone. Kaylee and Lana have known each other for eight years, and their friendship was evident throughout the discussion.
Lana shared her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting her transition from running an exterior painting business to becoming the CEO of ClinicNote. She co-founded the company with her now-husband, Tyler, after he and his friends were accepted into the Global Insurance Accelerator. Lana initially joined the team as an unpaid partner, driven by her passion for sales and building customer relationships. In 2017, she took over as CEO, pivoting the company to focus on university teaching clinics. This strategic shift led to significant growth, with ClinicNote now serving over 230 universities across various therapy disciplines.
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The conversation also touched on the challenges of managing a growing team and the importance of aligning individual skills with company needs. Lana emphasized the significance of finding team members who are both culturally and skillfully fit, and she shared her experience of learning to lead other leaders and delegate responsibilities effectively.
Lana described her recent experience raising a round of venture capital, marking her first significant fundraising effort. She attributed the successful, quick fundraising process to the supportive Iowa investment community and her ability to present a compelling, cash-flow-positive business plan.
The discussion concluded with Lana reflecting on her journey and offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. She emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with team members and customers, acknowledging that entrepreneurship is an extreme sport that requires resilience and support from others. Lana’s story is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and community support in building a successful business.