DiscoverThe UpFlip Podcast206. "Just Ship It” The Philosophy to Start Your First Business
206. "Just Ship It” The Philosophy to Start Your First Business

206. "Just Ship It” The Philosophy to Start Your First Business

Update: 2025-09-29
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Description

Ty McBride comes from a long line of builders, but his grandfather urged him to forge his own path. Ty initially chased success by landing massive historic preservation contracts, only to find himself running a high-stress, low-profit “train wreck.” A sudden pivot during the pandemic pushed him back to his local community, where listening to his neighbors revealed a massive, unsolved problem: wood rot. This discovery led him to build a new business around a specialized epoxy repair service, turning a simple idea into a highly profitable and scalable national franchise.

In this interview with Ryan Atkinson, Ty shares the business strategy that turned his company around. He explains how to dominate a niche business with a "mile deep, inch wide" approach, why true success lies in profitability, not just revenue, and how the "just ship it" mindset is crucial for starting a business. Don't miss these hard-won lessons on building a resilient home services company from the ground up.


Takeaways:

- Focus on Profit, Not Just Revenue: Build a sustainable business by prioritizing profitability from day one. As Ty states, "Revenue is for vanity, profit's for sanity."

- Go a "Mile Deep and an Inch Wide": Dominate your market by becoming a specialist in a specific niche. This focus allows you to build better systems, charge premium prices, and become the go-to expert.

- Adopt the "Just Ship It" Mentality: Overcome the fear of starting by taking action before you feel 100% ready. Securing the work first and then figuring out the perfect solution is a powerful way to launch your business.

- Listen for Your Biggest Opportunities: Your customers' small, recurring problems can reveal massive gaps in the market. By listening carefully, you can identify a high-demand service that competitors have overlooked.

- Big Contracts Can Be a Trap: Chasing the largest jobs isn't always the best business strategy. A model built on smaller, more profitable, and repeatable services can lead to greater financial stability and less stress.

- Systematize One Thing Before You Diversify: Master and create efficient systems for your core service before you even consider adding another. Ensure your business can run smoothly without you before expanding your offerings.

- Solve the Root Problem, Not the Symptom: A true expert digs deeper than a customer's initial request. By identifying the real underlying issue, you provide more value and build stronger trust.

- Use Low-Cost Marketing to Start Lean: You can launch a successful home service business with a small budget. Targeted, "boots-on-the-ground" tactics like designing door hangers and canvassing ideal neighborhoods are highly effective for customer acquisition.

- Embrace the Pivot: Be prepared to change your business model. Ty’s most successful venture came after a forced pivot, proving that adaptability is essential for long-term success.

- Build Your Own Legacy: Even if an opportunity in a family business exists, the greatest growth and fulfillment often come from accepting the challenge to build something entirely your own.

Tags: Home Services, Entrepreneurship, Niche Business, Epoxy Floor, Profitability, Remodelling

Resources:

Grow your business today: https://links.upflip.com/the-business-startup-and-growth-blueprint-podcast

Connect with Ty: https://www.instagram.com/tymcbrideok/?hl=en

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206. "Just Ship It” The Philosophy to Start Your First Business

206. "Just Ship It” The Philosophy to Start Your First Business

UpFlip