Ever find yourself in need of a solution and someone says, “I know a guy/gal for that”? In our startup community, that person is often Andy—the quintessential jack of all trades and an unstoppable force of energy. What’s his secret to maintaining such a vibrant spirit? It all boils down to one simple principle: aligning his work with his passion. 

Andy is not just a doer; he’s a methodical thinker, a process analyzer, and an outcome optimizer. He effortlessly connects the dots between what he loves and what he does, creating a harmonious blend that drives both personal fulfillment and professional success. 

Join us as we explore how Andy’s approach can inspire us all to find our own balance in work and life. 

Stay tuned for insights, inspiration, and practical tips from our incredible #GrowCola startup community!  - Caroline Crowder

What is your story?

I’m originally from upstate New York, but my path to Columbia, South Carolina, has been anything but conventional. With a background in mechanical engineering, I left corporate America in 2016, fed up with the red tape and eager to find more forward-thinking, like-minded folks. My first foray into entrepreneurship was with a logistics startup called Zoomer. It was chaotic, exhilarating, and transformative. I worked tirelessly to streamline processes and build efficiency—even taking on 2 a.m. pizza delivery runs to get the job done.

From there, my journey led me through the world of 3D printing and eventually down south to Columbia. In 2022, I officially made this city my home, drawn by its sense of community and the opportunity to work alongside innovative thinkers.

What is your biggest win as of late?

My biggest win lately has been the connections I’ve made locally. Building relationships in Columbia has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about revenue; it’s about feeling like I belong here. Hosting events like Forging Failures and collaborating with the Boyd Innovation Center has allowed me to embrace the entrepreneurial ecosystem fully. This year, I’ve seen traction across all my ventures, but the personal connections I’ve made have been even more special.

How do you #GiveFirst to the BIC community?

Giving back to the BIC community is a cornerstone of what I do. One way I #GiveFirst is through events like Forging Failures, where we create a space for entrepreneurs to share and burn their failures in a symbolic act of growth and renewal. We literally build a fire, talk about our failures, and then burn them. It’s a transparent and emotional night that often leads to deeper connections. I also love sharing insights on wellness, automation, and entrepreneurial resilience whenever I can.

Share a core memory from an experience at the BIC.

Walking into my first TechBeans event in early 2023 will always be a core memory for me. At that point, I didn’t have a clear sense of what I wanted to do locally. But walking into that space, meeting like-minded people, and realizing there was a vibrant community here was a game-changer. It felt like the right place at the right time. Since that moment, I’ve been an active part of the BIC community, watching it evolve and grow alongside my own journey.

What is your biggest challenge right now?

Balancing multiple ventures remains my biggest challenge. I have a breadth of things going on, but not the depth I’d like. While automation helps streamline my operations, I’m focused on establishing my expertise in key areas. Saying no and honing in on where my efforts are best spent is something I’m working on this year.

Where are you finding success?

Networking has been a significant source of success for me. Taking chances and building relationships here in Columbia has been incredibly fruitful. Through programs like Cola Starts, I’ve expanded my network, gained speaking opportunities, and solidified my authority in my industries. It’s not just about business; it’s about feeling like I’m part of something bigger.

What are you excited about?

Looking ahead, I’m most excited about the next stages for the Boyd Innovation Center. It’s been hovering on this launch pad, and I can’t wait to see it take off. As someone deeply invested in Columbia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, I see the Boyd Innovation Center as a cornerstone for local innovation and growth. Knowing there’s an entity dedicated to helping people build their vision is incredible, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from founders like Andy who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Columbia.

Andy Kottage

Andy Kottage, founder of GutBlossom, sits at the intersection of productivity and health. With a background in process engineering and certifications in holistic health, Andy helps business leaders harmonize their life and business. He provides practical tools and systems for digging up root causes, streamlining processes, and simplifying habits to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.