Weddings, Whiteboards & Working Genius | The Backthird Story

EPISODE · Dec 3, 2025 · 30 MIN

Weddings, Whiteboards & Working Genius | The Backthird Story

from Fixers & Founders · host Forrest Derr and Tony Lilja

Back Third Founders on Scaling Creativity Without Killing the SparkIn this episode of Fixers & Founders, we sit down with Benjie Hughes and Anna Hammond — the visionary/fixer duo behind Back Third Entertainment, a creative company that blended live music, wedding events, and recording into one unforgettable ride.Benjie shares how he knew it was time to pivot from passion to process, transforming a traditional studio into a 24/7 coworking space. Anna reflects on finding her voice and value not as a sidekick, but as a builder — shaping the systems that allowed the chaos of creativity to scale.Together, they unpack what it takes to run a business rooted in art and anchored in execution — and why autonomy, trust, and good spreadsheets are everything. This is one for the founders building in real time.Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Fixers and Founders01:30 – Meet Benjie & Anna of Back Third03:05 – Defining Roles Through Personality Gears06:27 – What It Takes to Run a Music & Events Company10:18 – When Derek's Baby Came Early11:17 – Systems vs Spark: Finding the Balance13:12 – Big Pivots: From Studio to Coworking Space15:58 – What They Took Into Their Current Work21:23 – Soundtrack of the Era22:36 – Small Moments, Big Impact28:59 – OutroConnect with Benjie & Anna🔗 Benjie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjiehughes/🔗 Anna’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annahammond/Mentioned in this episode:📘 Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky📘 The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E GerberIntro & Outro Music: “Which One Is the Jellyfish?” by Aunt Cynthia’s CabinUsed with permission under a non-exclusive license.Bandcamp: https://auntcynthiascabin.bandcamp.comSpotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/66kb7d5jDmTkMSs1XcOXTQ⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/auntcynthiascabinInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/auntcynthiascabin

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Weddings, Whiteboards & Working Genius | The Backthird Story

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