Welcome to "Morgan Entrepreneur Spotlight," our monthly-ish showcase where we shine a light on Northeast Ohio's entrepreneurial superstars. Each feature delves into the journeys of individuals who have participated in our programs and are harnessing their learnings to fuel impressive growth and innovation.
Zhao Liu is the Founder and CEO of Flynn Ming LLC. Zhao has participated in many growth programs, including the EO Accelerator, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, and serves on the board of COSE and Greater Cleveland Partnership. Zhao also participated in System for Integrated Growth (SIG) and a Big Rock Valley Leadership Retreat; both offered through a partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation and Burton D. Morgan Foundation.
Tell us about your business.
"Flynn Ming LLC, operating as Trebisky.com and Ravenhillco.com, specializes in designing and marketing innovative products across various online platforms. Originally a wholesale business, we swiftly transitioned to developing proprietary solutions tailored to address specific market needs. Our flagship offerings include the Trebisky Game Show Buzzer System, launched eight years ago, which features three models renowned for their reliability and user-friendliness, earning top ratings in the game buzzer category on Amazon. Introduced in 2024, our patent-pending Ravenhill Feather Flag Pole sets the industry standard for portability, durability, and ease of assembly in business advertising solutions. Our diverse portfolio also encompasses motorcycle décor, novelty gifts, and electronics, reflecting our commitment to quality and innovation."
Can you share your thoughts and key takeaways about the foundation-sponsored entrepreneurship programming you have participated in?
“The SIG program facilitated valuable connections with specialists. A key takeaway was the focus on brand strategy and assessment through Jaci Russo. The assessment provided suggestions for improvements to the Trebisky logo, including its design, symbolism, font, color scheme, and scalability, to better reflect the company's activities in educational or interactive products. Another key takeaway is the consideration of whether to adopt a house of brands vs. a branded house approach. Flynn Ming LLC has strategically realigned the Trebisky brand to focus exclusively on our industry-leading game show buzzer systems. To enhance our market presence, we have established a dedicated marketing team tasked with elevating our social media engagement and search engine optimization efforts. By delegating marketing responsibilities—an area outside my core expertise—I have empowered our team to assume greater ownership, driving innovation and growth for the brand."
Please tell us about any benefits, growth, or key wins you've experienced since participating in these programs.
“Since participating in the SIG program, we’ve achieved brand alignment for the Trebisky buzzer system. We have hired a Marketing Manager to manage social media strategy for the brand. As a result, we’ve doubled website traffic within 2 months, and we’re organically growing followers on different social channels.”
What are your goals for the next twelve months?
“My goal that I’m focused on over the next year is to increase sales by $200,000 on the Trebisky.com website channel.”
What is your favorite quote?
“Grow or Die”
-- Phil Knight, Nike founder
What is the last book you read?
“The last book I read was The End of Average: How We Succeed in a World that Values Sameness, by Todd Rose.”
What advice do you have for budding entrepreneurs?
"Solve Real Problems with Purpose: Early on, I shifted from wholesale to designing products like our top-rated Trebisky Game Show Buzzer Systems because I saw a need for reliable, user-friendly solutions. Focus on creating something that genuinely helps your customers—whether it’s a buzzer for classrooms or a portable flag pole like our Ravenhill design. Listen to your market and let their needs guide your innovation.
Know Your Limits and Build a Team: I realized marketing wasn’t my strength, so I built a dedicated team to elevate our social media and SEO presence. Surround yourself with people who excel where you don’t.
Leverage Support Programs: Seek out mentorship, funding, or accelerator programs—they provide structure and insights you can’t always find alone.
Stay Committed to Quality: We are able to charge the highest price for our Ravenhill Feather Flag Pole, because we obsessed over making it the most portable, durable, and easy-to-assemble option out there. Whatever you create, make it exceptional—customer trust and loyalty follow quality."
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
“I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support provided through your SIG program, which has been instrumental in transforming my business, Flynn Ming LLC. The program's targeted resources and expert guidance empowered me to realign our marketing strategy, focusing the Trebisky brand on game show buzzer systems and building a dedicated marketing team to enhance our social media and SEO presence. This strategic shift has significantly boosted our visibility and growth, aligning perfectly with your mission to strengthen free enterprise and foster entrepreneurial success.”
To learn more about Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and opportunities for second stage entrepreneurs, contact Michal Marcus.
If you have participated in Morgan Foundation sponsored programs and are interested in being featured in the Spotlight, contact Gina Dotson.