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Gritty Founder

Gritty Founder

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Gritty Founder is a daily podcast series where business founders share their stories of grit, determination, and success. The podcast celebrates the heroes who build the companies of their dreams and never quit along the way. The podcast features some of the top founders in Silicon Valley and has been in the making for a long time.

Gritty Founder is the first daily podcast in the business category that is currently live. It is meant to encourage founders and provide a daily dose of entrepreneurial wisdom and strategic advice for founders all over the world. You can learn more at https://grittyfounder.com.
74 Episodes
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On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Travis Boersma talks about how he and his brother started Dutch Bros Coffee. Travis shares terrific advice on the importance of goal setting, designing your life, and finding a business partner. Travis Boersma is the CEO and co-founder of Dutch Bros Coffee, the largest privately held drive-thru coffee company in the U.S. He is deeply involved in day-to-day operations but also invested in maintaining the culture that he and his late brother, co-founder Dane, both worked hard to nurture. Some Questions Travis Answers: - What were the first initial steps you took to get traction? (19:49) - How did you come up with the idea to start with a pushcart? (22:00) - What were the initial customers saying about the product? (26:12) - At what point did you realize you need to add more locations? (30:07) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for a founder? (38:38) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Travis’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:28) - How Travis came up with the idea for Dutch Bros Coffee and started the company with his brother (12:52) - How Travis and his brother grew the business (30:07) - The importance of goal setting (33:04) - Advice on designing your life (38:57) - The danger of becoming complacent (42:43) - Advice on finding a co-founder (48:39) Connect with Travis Boersma: Twitter Dutch Bros Coffee Also Mentioned on This Show... Travis’s favorite quote: “Success isn't owned, it's rented, and the rent is due every day.” Travis’s book recommendation: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
On today’s episode of Gritty Founder, the host answers a listener’s question and shares insights on the most important characteristic of a successful entrepreneur. The question asked was: What is one of the most important characteristics of a successful entrepreneur? People tell me it's passion, but I'd like to hear your thoughts. Featured Episode How Ryan Carson of Treehouse is Revolutionizing the Education Space
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Nathan Barry talks about how he built and grew ConvertKit. Nathan shares terrific insights on the realities of bootstrapping your company, and how you can successfully do it. In previous careers Nathan has been a designer, author, and blogger. After learning the power of email marketing he gave up a successful blogging career to build ConvertKit. Outside of work Nathan spends his time playing soccer, woodworking, and chasing after his two little boys. Some Questions Nathan Answers: - If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself that may help other early-stage founders? (40:50) - What was it about the market that convinced you that you could grow ConvertKit to millions of dollars? (42:24) - What is one thing that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (43:40) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Nathan’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:25) - How Nathan started ConvertKit (12:53) - Why Nathan considered shutting down ConvertKit (21:13) - The reality of bootstrapping your company, and how you can successfully do it (32:45) - How to take advantage of conferences (39:41) - Why Nathan believes writing is the most important business skill (45:34) Connect with Nathan Barry: Twitter Personal Website ConvertKit Also Mentioned on This Show... Nathan’s favorite quote: “Your greatest gift lies next to your deepest wounds.” ―Philip McKernan Nathan’s book recommendation: Anything You Want by Derek Sivers
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Alex Canter talks about how he built and grew Ordermark. Alex shares valuable advice on getting out of your comfort zone and the importance of finding mentors and a community of entrepreneurs. Alex is a restaurant industry innovator, in-demand speaker, and passionate advocate for restaurant operators and workers. He was raised in the kitchen of the world-famous Canter’s Deli in Los Angeles, where he and his team invented Ordermark. A fourth-generation restaurateur, the restaurant business has been in Alex’s blood for over 85 years. In addition to being the visionary and leader of Ordermark, Alex is active with the Techstars network and enjoys mentoring other restaurant technology entrepreneurs. A 2019 recipient of the Forbes 30 Under 30, Alex has previously led several technology ventures. Some Questions Alex Answers: - When did you realize you wanted to start something of your own? (6:44) - What are some ideas that you worked on that didn’t work out? (10:49) - Where are you guys with Ordermark right now, and tell us about the company? (18:03) - What are some key lessons you learned from taking Ordermark through an accelerator program? (22:21) - What advice would you give yourself that early-stage founders can learn from? (24:22) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Alex's background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - How Alex started Ordermark (18:03) - The importance of finding mentors and a community of entrepreneurs (22:21) - Get out of your comfort zone, and don't be afraid to lean into things that are uncomfortable (24:28) - Mindset and attitude are more important than experience when hiring (25:24) Connect with Alex Canter: Twitter Ordermark Also Mentioned on This Show... Alex’s favorite quote: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Alex’s book recommendation: Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, the host answers a listener’s question and shares insights on why 98% of startups fail. The question asked was: Why do 98% of startups fail? And what can I do so that my startup is not part of that statistic? Episode Mentioned How Futuristic Visionary VOIP Founder Alex Mashinsky Is Innovating with Celsius Network — After Building Seven Companies with Total Exits over $3 Billion
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Bart Lorang talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and how he built FullContact. Bart shares valuable insights on emotional intelligence and the importance of staying lean as your business grows. Bart Lorang is co-founder and CEO of FullContact, managing director of v1.vc, lifelong tech entrepreneur and investor. He is the husband to Sarah Lorang and the father of Greyson and Sophie Lorang. He is also passionate about helping fellow entrepreneurs on their long, difficult journey. Some Questions Bart Answers: - How did you come up with the idea for FullContact? (23:37) - Who was your first major customer? (35:00) - What advice can you give founders who are in the early stages of starting a company? (37:33) - If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? (38:07) - What are some red flags an early-stage founder should be aware of when looking for a co-founder? (40:28) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Bart's background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - The importance of emotional intelligence (16:25) - How Bart started FullContact (23:37) - Don't let your mistakes deter you (37:41) - Stay nimble and lean (38:16) - Bart's thoughts on work-life balance (38:57) - The difference between a business and a product (41:27) Connect with Bart Lorang: Twitter FullContact Also Mentioned on This Show... Bart’s favorite quote: “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” ―George S. Patton Bart’s book recommendation: Principles by Ray Dalio
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Alex Mashinsky talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and his vision for Celsius Network. Alex shares fascinating insights on the Silicon Valley mindset and decentralization. Alex is a serial entrepreneur and founder of seven New York City-based startups, raising more than $1 billion and exiting over $3 billion. Alex founded two of New York City’s top 10 venture-backed exits since 2000. Some Questions Alex Answers: - When did you decide you wanted to come to the United States? (9:07) - What advice can you give founders who are in the early stages of starting a company? (42:43) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Alex’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - How Alex started his first company, Arbinet in 1995 (16:35) - How Alex built, GroundLink, the idea for Uber in 2004 (33:24) - Sometimes you have to step on or cross over the gray line in order to be successful (42:55) - The mindset in Silicon Valley and thoughts on decentralization (48:03) - About Celsius Network (49:27) Connect with Alex Mashinsky: Twitter Celsius Network Also Mentioned on This Show... Alex’s favorite quote: “The future is here.” Alex’s book recommendation: Any book on decentralization
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Christina Stembel talks about how she built and grew Farmgirl Flowers. Christina shares terrific advice on bootstrapping a company, marketing your business in the early days, and the work ethic needed to be successful. She is the founder & CEO of Farmgirl Flowers. She used every penny she had to bootstrap her successful floral empire. Experiencing 50% year over year growth, the 9-year old brand has been self-funded since day one. You are about to listen to an inspiring American success story. Some Questions Christina Answers: - Do you remember getting your first customer? (23:34) - What was the process like for hiring your first employee? (29:37) - Did you ever think of quitting? (31:14) - If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? (36:49) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Christina's background and how she became an entrepreneur (4:26) - Christina's experience trying to raise venture capital (10:51) - How Christina started Farmgirl Flowers (14:55) - How Christina marketed Farmgirl Flowers when she was just starting out (24:59) - Don't care about what people think of you (36:58) - The future or Farmgirl Flowers (41:09) - The difficulty of selling perishable items (41:41) - Success doesn't have to equal venture capital funding (44:34) Connect with Christina Stembel: LinkedIn Farmgirl Flowers Also Mentioned on This Show... Christina’s favorite quote: “Woman in the arena.” Christina’s book recommendation: Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Luis Perez talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and how he built Remoov. Luis shares valuable advice on hustle, perseverance, and finding the right team. Originally from Venezuela, Luis moved to the US for university. He is passionate about bringing efficiencies to industries lacking it. He lives in San Francisco with his wife, also an entrepreneur, and daughter. Some Questions Luis Answers: - Tell us about Remoov, what does the product do? (10:11) - How did you come up with the initial idea for the company? (15:31) - Can you share a story of failure when you were starting out as an entrepreneur? (16:56) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for a founder to be successful? (19:15) - What drives you to be an entrepreneur? (23:02) - If you could give some advice for entrepreneurs starting out today, what would you tell them? (26:28) - If you could go back in time to before you started Remoov, what advice would you give yourself? (32:24) - What is one thing that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (40:18) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Luis’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:22) - About Remoov (10:11) - The importance of hustle and perseverance (19:15) - Make sure there is a market and people who will pay for your product (19:57) - The importance of finding the right team (26:36) - Advice on hiring (27:29) Connect with Luis Perez: LinkedIn Remoov Also Mentioned on This Show... Luis’s favorite quote: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” —Winston Churchill Luis’s book recommendation: A History of Western Philosophy by Bertrand Russell
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Paul Berberian talks about his journey building seven businesses over the course of his career. Paul shares valuable advice on staying future-focused, optimistic, and gritty. Paul Berberian is the former CEO and co-founder of Raindance Communications, a web and phone conferencing services company acquired by West Corporation in 2006. Before founding Raindance, he was co-founder and CEO of LINK-VTC, a video teleconferencing company, which was sold in 1995 to Frontier Communications. Paul is a distinguished graduate of the US Air Force Academy. Some Questions Paul Answers: - When did you decide you wanted to start a company? (7:39) - What was your first tech company? (11:08) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for a founder? (36:41) - What is one thing that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (40:18) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Paul’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:30) - How Paul built and sold his first tech business, LINK-VTC (12:21) - The story of how Paul and his co-founders took Raindance Communications public (30:28) - Founders need to be future-focused and optimistic, but also realistic about what has been created (36:58) - Thoughts on why people have trouble following their dreams (42:56) Connect with Paul Berberian: Twitter Sphero Also Mentioned on This Show... Paul’s favorite quote: “You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time.” —Paul’s father Paul’s book recommendation: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin More resources: Reboot by Jerry Colonna
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, R.T. Custer talks about how he built and grew Vortic Watch Company. R.T. shares fascinating insights on the watch industry as well as advice on staying gritty and handling emotions as an entrepreneur. R.T. Custer, Founder of Vortic Watch Company, is a 28-year-old Colorado-based entrepreneur who's spent his entire adult life building the coolest watch company on planet earth. Some Questions R.T. Answers: - What was it like growing up on a Christmas tree farm? (5:17) - What do you think is the future of timepieces? (20:12) - Where did you learn to have a positive attitude and always believe that you’ll figure it out? (35:12) - What is one thing that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (50:05) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About R.T.’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:15) - How R.T. started Vortic Watch Company (8:17) - The story of how R.T. sold his car to make payroll (30:28) - Advice on handling emotions (36:27) - The controversy around upcycling (40:57) Connect with R.T. Custer: LinkedIn Vortic Watch Company Also Mentioned on This Show... R.T.’s favorite quote: “You can do anything you put your mind to.” R.T.’s book recommendation: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, David Hose talks about his journey as an entrepreneur. David shares valuable advice on setting goals, finding a great team, and knowing your customers. David Hose is CEO of AirMap, the world’s leading airspace management platform for drones. He’s a seasoned technology leader and has founded seven businesses over the course of his career. Some Questions David Answers: - How did you persevere when you would build an idea and not see traction? (18:35) - Why do you think so many startups fail? (24:45) - If you were starting a company from scratch, what would you make sure you have in order before starting? (26:55) - What is one skill founders should focus on developing? (36:21) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About David’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:25) - The story of how David built Signalsoft (7:54) - How setting goals will help you persevere (18:51) - Why a great team is more important than a great idea (27:20) - Timing plays a huge role (30:40) - The first order of business is to stay in business (32:41) - The importance of knowing your customer (36:36) - Why David thinks most business success stories are largely because of luck (41:08) Connect with David Hose: Twitter AirMap Also Mentioned on This Show... David’s favorite quote: “Never mistake activity for achievement.” —John Wooden David’s book recommendation: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Rob Biederman talks about his entrepreneurial journey and how he built Catalant Technologies. Rob shares valuable advice on fundraising, productivity, and the type of mindset founders need to achieve success. Rob Biederman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Catalant Technologies, the market leader enabling the world’s leading organizations get from strategy to execution faster. Biederman is also co-author of a book titled Reimagining Work: Strategies to Disrupt Talent, Lead Change, and Win with a Flexible Workforce. Some Questions Rob Answers: - How has the product at Catalant Technologies changed since the early days? (21:06) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for a founder? (21:58) - What advice can you give to a founder who is thinking about raising money but is not sure if they should bootstrap their company instead? (31:48) - When you invest what is the most important thing you look for in a founder? (37:01) - What is one thing about life that you believe to be true that most people would disagree with? (38:00) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Rob’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:28) - About Catalant Technologies and how Rob started the business (7:54) - Advice on when and why to raise money (32:09) - How to think about regret (39:43) - Why you need to prepare to win rather than just wanting to win (43:55) - Why coffee is a productivity killer (49:34) Connect with Rob Biederman: Twitter Catalant Also Mentioned on This Show... Rob’s favorite quote: “The pond is fed from within, and pleasure can only spring forward from true internal alignment and congruence. Whereas happiness can be achieved through money or other artificial means.” Rob’s book recommendation: The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz More Resources: Good to Great by Jim Collins
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, the host answers a listener’s question and shares insights on why and how to raise venture capital. The question asked was: I’ve been listening to your podcast for the past several weeks, and I’m in the early stages of building a B2B startup. I’m not sure whether or not to start the fundraising process, and I would really like to hear what you think. Should I raise money from a VC?
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Mike Townsend talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and how he built Redeeem. Mike shares valuable advice on finding cofounders, hiring, and building long term relationships. Mike is a serial entrepreneur, and host of Around the Coin fintech podcast. He raised $23 Million with his last startup HomeHero, and is now bootstrapping a crypto gift card exchange called Redeeem. Some Questions Mike Answers: - What influenced you to become an entrepreneur? (5:55) - Walk us through all the companies you’ve started? (9:13) - How have you been able to find success building a team? (27:42) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for a founder? (33:24) - If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? (35:56) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Mike’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - How Mike started Redeeem (20:27) - Advice for finding cofounders (32:01) - You need an eagerness to put ideas into reality as a founder (33:38) - Invest in long term relationships (36:13) - About Mike’s podcast, “Around the Coin” (38:48) - Mike’s thoughts on public funding for education (41:08) - Why we shouldn’t have government programs to put solar panels on top of houses (43:05) Connect with Mike Townsend: LinkedIn Redeeem Also Mentioned on This Show... Mike’s favorite quote: “When you consider that man is a little germ that lives on an unimportant rock ball that revolves about an insignificant star on the outer edges of one of the smaller galaxies — what a put-down that [is]. But, on the other hand, if [I] think about that for a few minutes, I am absolutely amazed to discover myself on this rock ball rotating around a spherical fire. It’s a very odd situation.” —Alan Watts Mike’s book recommendation: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Amiad Soto talks about how he built Guesty. Amiad shares advice on having perseverance, being optimistic, hiring, and the importance of taking care of your health as a founder. Amiad Soto is co-founder and CEO of Guesty, one of the world’s largest property management platforms for short-term rentals that simplifies and automates all aspects of the property management process. After launching the disruptor in 2013 with his identical twin brother, Amiad grew Guesty from a Y Combinator funded startup to an international enterprise headquartered in Tel Aviv with 10 global offices and 280+ employees worldwide. Some Questions Amiad Answers: - What kind of businesses did you start before Guesty? (9:22) - How did you come up with the idea for Guesty? (12:11) - Do you remember how you got your first customer? (17:11) - Was there ever a low point where you guys felt like Guesty wasn’t going to work out? (20:02) - What advice would you give to a founder who is facing a tough time? (22:11) - What do you think is the most important ingredient for an entrepreneur? (24:32) - How do you get over the fear of starting? (27:36) - If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? (31:50) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Amiad’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - How Amiad started Guesty (12:13) - Don’t start a company unless you are 100% passionate about what you are doing (22:19) - Be optimistic, but also be able to assess risk in the right way (22:43) - Just get the job done (24:45) - Your team is more important than an idea (25:35) - The importance of taking care of your health (32:33) Connect with Amiad Soto: LinkedIn Guesty Also Mentioned on This Show... Amiad’s favorite quote: “Buckle up. It’s going to be a long ride.” Amiad’s book recommendation: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Mike Adams talks about his journey as an entrepreneur and how he cofounded Grain. Mike shares advice on emotional intelligence as well as some valuable insights on building a company in the education space. Mike Adams is a three time co-founder and the CEO of Grain, a start-up based in San Francisco that’s bringing live voice and video communication into the collaborative age. Mike lives in the Bay Area with is wife and 3 kids. Some Questions Mike Answers: - What was your mindset at the point when you left your first startup, and what advice do you have for founders who might find themselves in that same situation? (20:30) - What is some advice you can give to a founder to find a life partner who will give amazing advice and support? (47:06) - What is one thing you believe about life that most people would disagree with? (57:19) - What needs to fundamentally change about our education system? (01:03:34) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Mike’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:20) - The importance of emotional intelligence (20:46) - Have a long term mindset (53:15) - Make time to take care of yourself (55:46) - Output is not the same as outcome (56:25) - Mike’s thoughts on disrupting the education system (01:00:27) Connect with Mike Adams: Twitter Grain Also Mentioned on This Show... Mike’s favorite quote: “I wouldn’t pay a nickel for the simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity.” Mike’s book recommendation: Inspired by Marty Cagan
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, John S. Kim talks about how he built and grew SendBird. John shares terrific advice on staying positively tenacious and building a strong relationship with cofounders. John sold his previous startup and was Korea's number one player in Unreal Tournament. He is now the CEO of SendBird, the number one chat API, and they've raised more than 120 million dollars. Their customers include companies and organizations like Reddit, Yahoo!, GO-JEK, Delivery Hero and the NBA. Some Questions John Answers: - What was the biggest lesson that you learned from your social gaming company that you took with you to SendBird? (12:47) - What kept you going when you felt like the product was not working? (19:08) - If you were starting a new company and had to recruit cofounders, what is the most important ingredient you would look for in your cofounders? (24:37) - What is one thing you believe that most people would disagree with? (41:06) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - How John started SendBird (4:30) - About John’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (5:34) - Be resourceful, open-minded, and relentless (13:27) - The importance of expectation management (14:00) - John’s journey as the founder of SendBird and a few key takeaways (16:04) - Stay frugal and capital efficient (17:52) - As a founder you need to have positive tenacity (19:22) - The value of peer pressure and having an accountability group (21:30) - Advice for finding and working with cofounders (24:37) - John’s thoughts on diversity (46:42) Connect with John S. Kim: Twitter SendBird Also Mentioned on This Show... John’s favorite quotes: “Positive tenacity.” “Be better than the best.” “The future is here. It’s just not evenly distributed yet.” “Life is in the details.” “Become what you believe.” “This too shall pass.” “People love a guy who rises from the ashes.” John’s book recommendation: Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
On today's episode of Gritty Founder, Emmanuel Straschnov talks about how he built and grew Bubble. Emmanuel shares valuable advice on launching a product, working with cofounders, and building a team. Emmanuel Straschnov is founder of Bubble, a visual programming software. People have used it to get into YC or raised multi-million dollar rounds. Emmanuel studied at Ecole Polytechnique and received his MBA from Harvard. Some Questions Emmanuel Answers: - How did you get the entrepreneurial bug? (6:03) - Describe the initial few months building Bubble. How did you get traction? (9:40) - What was the first version of Bubble? (17:06) - Who are your competitors? (18:26) - What is the largest application that currently runs on Bubble? (20:21) - What are some limitations of Bubble? (22:53) - What do you think has been the most important ingredient for your success as a founder? (28:28) - If you could go back in time before you started Bubble, what advice would you give yourself? (39:33) In This Episode, You Will Learn: - About Emmanuel’s background and how he became an entrepreneur (4:25) - How Emmanuel got the idea for Bubble (7:15) - The story of how Emmanuel met his cofounder (8:06) - How Emmanuel and his cofounder started Bubble (9:52) - Be thoughtful about when and how you launch your product (15:11) - The importance of having persistence as a founder (28:42) - Advice on finding and working with a cofounder (31:12) - Hire slowly and other advice on building a team (34:31) - Don’t make decisions out of insecurity (40:46) Connect with Emmanuel Straschnov: Twitter Bubble Also Mentioned on This Show... Emmanuel’s favorite quote: “Existence precedes essence.” ―Jean‑Paul Sartre Emmanuel’s book recommendation: Existentialism Is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre
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