Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle

Startup Hustle is a podcast for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.  With the mission of telling the real story of startups and entrepreneurs, topics range from funding to failure and beyond.  If you want to start, own, or build a business then you're in the right place.

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Episodes

90 Days After My Acquisition
Yesterday
90 Days After My Acquisition
Ever wonder what happens when you buy out your business partner? Join Jeff Munn and Matt Watson, the new CEO of Full Scale, as they go through Matt’s entrepreneurial rollercoaster in the first 90 days! In this episode, you'll hear: Matt's origin story: From problem solver to accidental business owner, Matt shares his hilarious and relatable journey.Leadership lessons learned (the hard way): Matt dives into the challenges and triumphs of taking over a company he once co-ran.Going global (and the awkwardness that comes with it): Matt gets real about leading a team of 300+ employees in the Philippines.Building a tech powerhouse: We explore Matt's plans for scaling Full Scale, including his bold marketing strategies.The entrepreneur's struggle is real: Matt and Jeff Munn chat about the stress, excitement, and constant hustle of running a business.Growth without burnout: Matt shares his honest journey towards achieving sustainable growth while maintaining his sanity. ‍ This episode is packed with insights, hilarious anecdotes, and practical advice for anyone considering the entrepreneurial path or anyone who just wants a glimpse into the crazy world of startups! Don't miss out! Tune in today!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the Jeff Munn  website:  https://jmunn.com/    Learn more about Jeff Munn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffmunn/  Highlighted Discussion Points Entrepreneurship and business ownership with Matt Watson. 0:32Entrepreneurship, business growth, and leadership. 2:39Leadership transition and cultural differences. 8:25Leadership and change management in a tech company. 13:14Ideal client for software development services. 18:30Risks and growth strategies for a software development company. 20:33Entrepreneurship, stress, and balance. 25:31Business growth, leadership, and marketing goals. 30:09Business growth and leadership decisions. 35:04See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Building Up Women, Building Communities
2d ago
Building Up Women, Building Communities
Have you ever wondered how entrepreneurship can change communities? This episode dives deep into business ownership with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, a leader with an impressive track record in government, education, and philanthropy. Now, she's at the helm of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a powerhouse dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color. Here's what you won't want to miss: Inspiring stories: Dr. Wallace shares her incredible career journey, from diplomacy to higher education to making a real difference in communities.Leadership lessons: Learn how Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace of the Kauffman Foundation fosters a culture of empathy and active listening within the organization.Supporting women-owned businesses: Discover how the Kauffman Foundation prioritizes grants and resources for female founders and businesses owned by minorities.The future of entrepreneurship: Explore the Kauffman Foundation's exciting plans to empower underserved communities and build a thriving ecosystem for innovation.Empowering words for women leaders: Get a boost of inspiration from Dr. Wallace and Lauren Conaway as they share their wisdom for navigating demanding roles and achieving success. Tune in and get ready to be motivated by the power of entrepreneurship and the incredible women leading the charge!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation website:  https://www.kauffman.org/    Learn more about Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deangelaburnswallace/  Highlighted Discussion Points Entrepreneurship and women's history with Dr. D. Angela Burns Wallace. 0:33Leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact. 2:13Joining the Kauffman Foundation and its impact. 8:15Community building and leadership approach. 13:57Entrepreneurship, grants, and local suppliers. 19:19Leadership and strategic plans for the Kauffman Foundation. 23:53Entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and community development. 27:53Entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact. 32:48Philanthropy, empathy, and community impact. 3722Leadership, self-care, and superpowers. 42:47Women's leadership and entrepreneurship. 50:34See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Scaling WP Engine with Jason Cohen
3d ago
Scaling WP Engine with Jason Cohen
Ever felt like your website is about to crash from a sudden surge in traffic? Our guest founder knows that feeling all too well. In this episode, we chat with the Chief Innovation Officer of WP Engine, Jason Cohen, about the company's incredible journey and his own path from burnt-out developer to successful entrepreneur. You'll learn: How Jason's early struggles with WordPress led to the creation of a billion-dollar business.The surprising secret weapon that helped WP Engine stand out from the crowd (Spoiler alert: probably not the t-shirt).Why "headless" WordPress is the future and how it can boost your website's performance.The potential of AI in writing content and creating a more personalized user experience.How to avoid the "joy and skill trap" and find work that keeps you motivated and energized.Jason's ingenious interview technique to guarantee a perfect fit for your next hire. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who: Runs a WordPress website and wants to take it to the next level.Dreams of starting their own business but feels stuck on an idea.Wants to learn how to avoid burnout and find more joy in their work. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the WP Engine website: https://wpengine.com/   Learn more about Jason Cohen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncohen/ Highlighted Discussion Points WP Engine and the origin of smart bear with Jason Cohen. 0:32Starting and selling a successful software company. 1:38Entrepreneurship and idea validation. 6:16Growing a WordPress-focused company through marketing strategies. 10:59Growth strategies for a WordPress hosting company. 13:33Business strategies and product development in the WordPress industry. 17:10Decoupling WordPress for better performance and scalability. 22:33Decoupling, AI, and website components. 25:21AI and search capabilities in WordPress. 27:47Company expansion strategies using adjacent markets. 32:58Evaluating business expansion strategies. 36:00Entrepreneurship and career development. 39:20Avoiding burnout and finding joy in work. 46:06Hiring techniques and avoiding bad fits in the workplace. 49:55See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From Car Dealer to Automotive Dealer
Mar 21 2024
From Car Dealer to Automotive Dealer
Join Matt Watson for a blast-from-the-past reunion with his long-time friend, Danny Zaslavsky! This episode dives deep into Danny's fascinating journey, from growing up in a car dealership to becoming the founder of a tech startup, DealerCue. Matt and Danny reminisce about their early days working together, the challenges they faced in the car business, and the power of technology to revolutionize the industry. They'll discuss: The Birth of DealerCue: How Danny's experience managing a car dealership led him to create a revolutionary solution for vehicle lifecycle management.Entrepreneurship 101: Matt and Danny share their unique stories of building successful companies, from opportunistic beginnings to overcoming generational resistance.Marketing Magic: Learn how Danny defied traditional advertising strategies and succeeded through community engagement and innovative campaigns.From Showroom to Startup: Discover how DealerCue leveraged Danny's product expertise to create a game-changing platform.The Power of Partnership: Matt and Danny reveal the secrets to successful collaborations: trust, complementary skills, and a shared vision. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, the ever-evolving car dealership landscape, and the power of partnerships in the tech industry. Tune in and get ready to be inspired!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the DealerCue website:  https://www.dealercue.com/    Learn more about Danny Zaslavsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-zaslavsky-a8503121/  Highlighted Discussion Points Entrepreneurship journey from car dealership to tech startup. 0:31Vehicle lifecycle management and DealerCue. 1:21Entrepreneurship, technology adoption, and generational change in the car dealership industry. 7:16Advertising and marketing strategies in the car business. 13:02Marketing and technology in the car dealership industry. 18:20Entrepreneurship, partnerships, and innovation in the tech industry. 24:39See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pivoting from B2C to B2B, Property Management Tech
Mar 19 2024
Pivoting from B2C to B2B, Property Management Tech
Have you ever struggled to find reliable contractors for your home repairs? You're not alone! In this episode, we'll hear from Bo Lais, the CEO and founder of Lula. He started out helping homeowners but discovered a hidden goldmine in the property management industry. Bo and his wife faced the same challenge as many homeowners: finding qualified contractors. This led them to create a platform to connect homeowners with reliable professionals. But what they learned along the way was even more valuable. Tune in to hear Bo's story of pivoting his business, the challenges of competing in the property management marketplace, and how Lula ultimately found success by focusing on property management. We'll explore the challenges and triumphs of this strategic shift, including: Why saying no to a high volume of customers can be the smartest decisionHow AI is revolutionizing work order managementThe importance of deep integrations with property management softwareSuccessful go-to-market strategies for a niche industryBuilding a winning team with core values at the forefront This episode is packed with valuable insights if you're a property manager, entrepreneur, or someone who's ever battled unreliable contractors.   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Lula website:  https://lula.life   Learn more about Bo Lais: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bolais     Highlighted Discussion Points Pivoting from B2C to B2B and the challenges faced. 0:31Competing with lead generation platforms in the home repair industry. 4:35Marketplace challenges and pivoting to focus on property management. 7:46Software development for property management companies. 14:50Go-to-market strategies for a niche industry. 19:32Partnerships and business model evolution in property management. 24:08Focusing on property management services and turning down distracting opportunities. 29:35Hiring, core values, and growth strategy for a successful tech company. 34:37Niche business software and software development. 38:05  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Career Accelerators, Side Hustles, and LinkedIn Marketing
Mar 14 2024
Career Accelerators, Side Hustles, and LinkedIn Marketing
Tired of dead-end jobs and feeling stuck in your career? Hope is on the horizon. In this episode, Matt Watson chats with Kadima Careers's Founder, CEO & Chief Accelerator, Alan Stein. Alan, a seasoned professional with a unique career path, shares his insights on: Fast-tracking your career and exploring side hustles: Learn how Alan went from being "tired of getting fired" to helping others land their dream jobs, and explore his experiences on both sides of the interview table.Crafting a winning job search strategy: Discover Alan's proven methods for identifying target companies, navigating the application process, and securing top offers.Building a successful business: Get an inside look at Alan's journey from corporate employee to full-time entrepreneur, including the challenges and rewards of building a thriving business.Leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth: Learn how Alan utilizes LinkedIn to connect with potential clients, build relationships, and grow his business. Tune in for actionable advice, inspiring stories, and practical tips to take your career and business to the next level!   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Kadima Careers website:  https://kadimacareers.com   Learn more about Alan Stein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein   Highlighted Discussion Points: Career acceleration and side hustles with Kadima Careers founder Alan Stein. 0:32Career growth and job placement. 1:24Career coaching and job search strategies. 8:44Transitioning from corporate to full-time business ownership. 13:56Building a startup, scaling up, and using virtual assistants. 19:51Leveraging LinkedIn for business growth. 25:52Leveraging LinkedIn for business growth. 31:07LinkedIn ads and international business strategies. 37:20  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Value of Product Teams
Mar 12 2024
The Value of Product Teams
Do you feel lost in the world of product development? Are you struggling to gain traction, validate your idea, or build a team that delivers? In this episode, we're joined by Adam Judelson, founder and CEO of First Principles Catalyst, to dissect the common problems tech companies face with product development. From the challenges of early-stage startups to building the right product team, Adam brings his wealth of experience. Matt and Adam have an uber-dynamic conversation on the following topics: The importance of a product team and how it can supercharge your success.Why focus is key, and how to navigate product management challenges.How to validate your product idea before pouring resources into development.The entrepreneurial mindset and the dangers of ignoring reality.When to bring in outside help and how to find the right product agency partner.Building a high-performing product team, including hiring tips and understanding the roles of product owners, product ops, and engineers.The importance of collaboration and diverse perspectives in creating world-changing products. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice to help you build products that win. So, tune in and get ready to learn the value of product teams for your company!   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the First Principles Catalyst website:  https://www.firstprinciples.la   Learn more about Adam Judelson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-judelson/   Highlighted Discussion Points Product problems in tech companies with a product agency founder. 0:31Product management and its challenges. 1:56Product development for early-stage startups with limited funding. 7:08Entrepreneurial mindset and honesty in startups. 12:24Founders' reluctance to ask for help in their startups. 15:21When to hire a full-time product person for an early-stage company. 17:03Hiring for product management roles in startups. 22:17See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Product Strategy SMB vs Enterprise
Mar 7 2024
Product Strategy SMB vs Enterprise
Ever wonder how to create a product that caters to both small businesses and giant corporations? Join Matt Watson as he dives deep into the world of product strategy with Jeff Weiner, CEO of Realquantum. Discover how the company revolutionized commercial real estate appraisal software and the crucial differences in catering to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) vs. enterprise giants. They dive deep into Jeff's journey, from recognizing the industry's need for innovation to building a platform that revolutionizes the way commercial real estate appraisals are done. This episode is packed with insights on: Adapting your product strategy for diverse customer segmentsNavigating the challenges of enterprise integrationBalancing simplicity with advanced features for a smooth user experience The importance of saying "no" to bad product ideas ‍ Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned software developer, this episode is guaranteed to equip you with valuable knowledge for tackling the ever-evolving landscape of product development! Tune in, learn, and conquer the market!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the Realquantum website:  https://www.realquantum.com   Learn more about Jeff Weiner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyweiner   Highlighted Discussion Points Product strategy for startups with Jeff Weiner. 0:32Commercial real estate appraisal software and its potential to revolutionize the industry. 1:19Product strategy and market research for a real estate tech company. 7:05Appraisal software development and market needs. 13:18Catering to enterprise and small business needs in software development. 19:43Enterprise software development challenges and solutions. 24:39Adapting product strategy for enterprise vs. SMB customers. 29:30Simplifying software for appraisers without overcomplicating it. 34:55Enterprise software development challenges and solutions. 38:59See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tech's Impact on Modern Sales
Mar 5 2024
Tech's Impact on Modern Sales
Ever wonder how top brands create ads that resonate with you on a personal level? In this episode of Startup Hustle, Matt Watson dives into AI-powered marketing with Matt Swalley, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Omneky. Discover how Omneky's platform leverages cutting-edge AI to: Craft hyper-personalized ads: Target different age groups, cultures, and individuals with tailored messages that resonate.Generate and optimize ad creatives: Unleash the power of AI to test and refine your ad content for maximum impact, even with limited budgets.Automate ad buying and management: Free up your time and resources by letting AI handle tedious tasks across platforms like LinkedIn and Meta. Matt and Matt also discuss: The evolution of AI technology, including the impact of GPT-3 and GPT-4 on Omneky's platform.The future of AI-powered content creation, from image generation to video production.How agencies and brands can leverage AI to scale their marketing efforts and personalize the customer journey. Join us as we explore the exciting possibilities of AI in marketing and discover how it can help your business thrive!   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Omneky website:  https://www.omneky.com   Learn more about Matt Swalley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-swalley-59249533   Highlighted Discussion Points: AI and marketing with Omneky founder Matt Squally. 0:32AI-powered ad generation and personalization. 1:21AI-powered ad creative optimization. 6:02AI-powered ad creative generation for various businesses. 11:59AI-powered content creation and its future. 17:20Marketing strategies and AI-generated content. 22:50Digital advertising, sales, and marketing strategies. 29:03  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Innovating With the Grain World’s First Bulk Solids Locomotion Device
Feb 29 2024
Innovating With the Grain World’s First Bulk Solids Locomotion Device
Forget drones, the future swims! Imagine a world where robots don't fly, they dive - not through water, but through mountains of sand, grains, and powders. This isn't science fiction, it's the reality being built by Lorenzo Conti, the engineer behind a revolutionary technology. Join Matt Watson as he digs deep into the technology behind moving through "granular materials" with unprecedented efficiency. In this episode, we dive headfirst (pun intended!) into Lorenzo's fascinating journey: From discovering a hidden connection between physics and sand to creating the world's first "Dune"-worthy sand swimmer.Navigating the challenges of changing entire industries, one grain at a time.Unveiling the secrets of movement in unpredictable environments, paving the way for a future of automated grain management.Exploring the future of robotics, where robots become platforms for customization and collaboration.And finally, challenging the status quo of international patent protection in the age of innovation. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the "granular world" and explore the future of technology that literally swims through it!   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Crover website:  https://www.crover.tech Learn more about Lorenzo Conti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lconti   Highlighted Discussion Points: Building robots to swim through grain with Crover founder Lorenzo Conti. 0:31Entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology in Scotland. 1:35Using AI to monitor grain quality and safety. 6:57Using sensors to monitor grain quality. 11:46Designing and manufacturing a robot for harvesting grain. 17:49Developing a robotic system for grain storage inspection. 25:26The patent filing process for a unique physical device. 31:54Entrepreneurship, technology, and the future of work. 37:04  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Automotive Technology & Digital Retailing
Feb 27 2024
Automotive Technology & Digital Retailing
Join host Matt Watson as he goes into the complex world of automotive technology with a twist of entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, Matt sits down with the innovative mind behind WebBuy and the visionary founder of Pauldron, CTO Steve Dimock. Buckle up as they traverse through the rugged landscapes of Montana, exploring the untamed frontier of tech industry growth. From the emergence of pioneering companies like Onyx to the burgeoning computer science programs igniting young minds, Montana's tech scene is a force to be reckoned with. Unveil the challenges of crafting an online car-buying platform with Steve Dimock, where the scarcity of software talent in Kansas is just the tip of the iceberg. Dive deep into the complexities of digital retailing solutions and the quest for transparency in the automotive realm. Explore the innovative strategies employed by WebBuy and Pauldron to revolutionize the car buying process, promising not just efficiency, but a newfound trust between dealerships and consumers. Discover how they're slashing dealership wait times and reshaping the very fabric of automotive retail. Peel back the layers of technological ingenuity as Matt and Steve dissect the AI-powered revolution in vehicle service contracts. From personalized recommendations to seamless follow-ups, witness the future of automotive maintenance unfold before your eyes. And don't miss out on the riveting tale of Steve Dimock's latest venture, Pauldron, where partnerships pave the road to success and experience meets innovation head-on. Tune in as Matt Watson and Steve Dimock navigate the fast lanes of tech entrepreneurship, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reshape the automotive landscape, one byte at a time.   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the WebBuy website:  https://webbuy.com/    Visit the Pauldron website: https://pauldron.net/    Learn more about Stephen Dimock https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdimock/    Highlighted Discussion Points Automotive tech and startup WebBuy and Pauldron with CTO Steve Dimock. 0:01Tech industry growth in Montana. 1:03Challenges in creating an online car-buying platform. 2:19The complexity of car buying process and digital retailing solutions. 6:11Car buying process and software to improve trust and efficiency. 9:51Digital retailing for car dealerships. 14:51Digital retailing adoption in the automotive industry. 21:28Automotive digital retailing and new company Pauldron. 26:35AI-powered vehicle service contract follow-up system. 31:25Go-to-market strategy for a new venture. 36:45See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Navigating the Future Tech in Asphalt Paving
Feb 22 2024
Navigating the Future Tech in Asphalt Paving
Ever wondered how tech is transforming the dusty world of paving and construction? Join us on the podcast as we chat with Bryce Wuori, CEO of PaveWise, who turned a family business into a cutting-edge tech company! Here's what you'll learn: From asphalt to algorithms: How Bryce pivoted a traditional business and tackled industry challenges with software solutions.Weathering the storm: Discover how PaveWise uses AI to predict and avoid costly weather disruptions, saving businesses time and money.Bootstrapped to VC-backed: Get the inside scoop on building a tech startup from scratch, including funding strategies and scaling with an offshore team.Idea bucket or chaos vortex? Learn how PaveWise manages innovation in a fast-paced environment, prioritizing the right ideas for success.Customer-first: From building for themselves to listening to users, understand how PaveWise adapts and delivers value.From dusty boots to trade shows: Uncover PaveWise's unique go-to-market strategy for connecting with clients in the real world. Ready to pave the way to your own success? Tune in to the podcast and get inspired by Bryce Wuori's story!     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io/   Visit the PaveWise website:  https://pavewisepro.com/    Learn more about Bryce Wuori https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-w-89818b237/    Highlighted Discussion Points: Paving technology and construction with the CEO of PaveWise. 0:00Paving industry challenges and software solutions. 1:05Weather impacts on construction work and proactive planning. 4:34Construction software development and entrepreneurship. 8:56Scaling a tech startup with a CTO. 15:31Managing and prioritizing ideas in a fast-paced startup environment. 23:46Entrepreneurship, product development, and customer feedback. 27:00Software development challenges and sales strategies. 32:32Go-to-market strategies for tech companies. 36:56  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Optimizing Test Automation Maximizing Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Feb 20 2024
Optimizing Test Automation Maximizing Efficiency and Reducing Costs
Ready to supercharge your test automation and launch your startup to new heights? Elevate your company's efficiencies with insights from Chris Harbert, Founder and CEO of Testery, on mastering test automation and scaling globally. Forget the tired advice about needing a Silicon Valley address. Chris defied the odds, building a thriving remote-first company from his home base in Columbia, Missouri. We'll unpack his journey, from the early days of bootstrapping to tackling the challenges of scaling millions of tests daily. But it's not just about bragging rights. Chris gets real about the software testing trenches, sharing the nitty-gritty of managing 3,000 concurrent tests and navigating a crowded market. He reveals the secrets to his success, including finding your niche and embracing cutting-edge tools like Playwright and Cypress. Looking ahead, Matt and Chris explore the future of testing, where low-code and no-code solutions are changing the game. Plus, Chris shares his hard-won entrepreneurial wisdom, from facing rejection to the mental toughness needed to weather storms like economic downturns and business successes. This episode is packed with actionable insights, whether you're a seasoned QA engineer or a wide-eyed startup founder. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and join us as we optimize your test automation journey with Matt Watson and Chris Harbert!   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Testery website:  https://testery.io   Learn more about Chris Harbert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherharbert   Discussion Point Timestamps: Starting a tech company in Columbia, MO. 1:35Scaling test automation at scale with reliability. 7:15Software testing challenges at scale. 12:49Software testing challenges and opportunities in a crowded market. 17:29Software testing and development trends. 22:35Risk-taking and success in the tech industry. 27:37Resilience and staying motivated despite challenges. 33:33Sales and scaling a business. 37:45Balancing product development for small and large businesses. 41:55Startup success, testing, and podcasting. 46:25  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Print-On-Demand Revolution
Feb 14 2024
The Print-On-Demand Revolution
Want to learn how an ambitious entrepreneur built a global print-on-demand empire from scratch? Then you'll love this conversation between Matt Watson and James Berdigans, founder and Executive Chairman of Printify. James shares his inspiring story of starting Printify after his previous business failed due to inventory issues. He realized the potential of print-on-demand and set out to create a platform that empowers anyone to start an online merch store without risk. Matt draws on his own experience in screen printing as a teen to understand how digital printing transformed the industry. He's fascinated to learn how Printify handles the complex logistics behind custom printing millions of unique products daily. You'll discover the challenges of managing a distributed remote team across 30 countries, policing copyright infringement on a massive scale, and ensuring quality control when every order differs. This engaging conversation provides fascinating insights into building a global tech company from the ground up. James offers invaluable advice on entrepreneurship, persevering through challenges, and just starting a business. You might even be motivated to turn your own creative ideas into an online storefront.   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Printify website: https://printify.com   Learn more about James Janis Berdigans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/berdigans  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Building AI Workflows
Feb 1 2024
Building AI Workflows
Tech whiz Dmitry Shapiro joins Startup Hustle's Matt Watson for a mind-bending chat about how AI is turbocharging businesses. Shapiro's got the pedigree – Google, MySpace, you name it – but his latest venture, MindStudio, is all about putting AI to work in the real world. Shapiro spills the beans on how MindStudio empowers anyone, from solopreneurs to giants, to build AI-powered brainpower for their biz. We're talking CRM notes on autopilot, reports that write themselves, and a whole lot more. But it's not all sunshine and algorithms. Shapiro tackles the real challenges of AI adoption, from user-friendly interfaces to data privacy concerns. And guess what? MindStudio's already got traction, snagging millions in funding and partnering with big players to bring AI to the masses. This ain't just about tech, though. Shapiro's got wisdom to share with any entrepreneur. He talks passion, smarts, and the gotta-have drive to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape. Ultimately, MindStudio's story is about redefining what it means to do business in the age of AI, and Shapiro's the inspiring guide at the helm. So, buckle up and hit play. This podcast is your front-row seat to the AI revolution, with Shapiro as your friendly neighborhood tech guru. You'll walk away with insights, inspiration, and maybe even a killer idea for your own AI-powered hustle.     Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the MindStudio website: https://youai.ai/    Learn more about Dmitry Shapiro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmitry-shapiro-a2b1/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Design that Drives: Software Development Requirements
Jan 30 2024
Design that Drives: Software Development Requirements
Join Matt Watson and CEO and Founder of Planorama Design, Matt Genovese, as they discuss software development requirements that drive design. They dive deep into the intricate world of software development, where the blueprint for success lies in the often-overlooked realm of software requirements.  The two veteran developers and entrepreneurs share their insights into the underlying significance of well-crafted requirements in software development. Matt Watson uses the analogy of home blueprints to illustrate how not having software requirements right off the bat can make a lot of waste and mess. Bathrooms, for instance.  The discussion further ventures into the fascinating territory of design debt in software development, highlighting the delicate balance between evolving UI designs and potential customer alienation. Watson and Genovese share frustrations with industry tools like Google Analytics and unveil their toolkit secrets. These include whiteboards, Fig Jam, and the internally developed Sinfonia, designed to break down problems and enhance collaboration in planning. The conversation concludes with reflections on the intersection of software development, user experience, and entrepreneurship, with both Matts underscoring the paramount importance of customer engagement in crafting effective software requirements. Get ready for an enlightening journey into the heart of technology and entrepreneurship on this "Startup Hustle" episode with Matt Watson and Matt Genovese.   Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Planorama Design website: https://planorama.design   Learn more about Sinfonia - Product requirements tool for product managers and teams: https://sinfonia.site   Learn more about Matt Genovese: https://planorama.design/podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leveraging Fractional Talent
Jan 25 2024
Leveraging Fractional Talent
Join Matt Watson and Praveen Ghanta, the founder and CEO of Fraction, as they dive deep into the world of leveraging fractional talent. If you're an entrepreneur navigating the intricate landscape of startup growth, you're in for a treat! Praveen shares his insights on hiring fractional talent, unraveling the success story of a profitable SaaS business with an impressive 50% profit margin. He delves into the nitty-gritty of fractional hiring, unraveling the pivotal role fractional developers play in their growth journey. Matt and Praveen turn to the fascinating fact that top talent, even successful CTOs and senior developers, can be affordable. It could be assuaging boredom, desiring to diversify their income, or just helping a friend out. Whatever the case, founders with limited resources will take that deal! Matt and Praveen agree that leveraging fractional talent is a game-changer for early-stage companies looking to accelerate their offshore team success. But, as with any groundbreaking concept, there are challenges. Praveen sheds light on the limitations of fractional software development teams, including maintaining productivity.  They also discuss the importance of building trust in B2B sales through personal connections. Matt provides an example of how showcasing remote workers' personalities through video interviews helped build that trust. So buckle up, folks! We're about to unravel the secrets of Leveraging Fractional Talent with Praveen Ghanta right here on Startup Hustle. Let's dive in!    Find Startup Hustle Everywhere: https://gigb.co/l/YEh5   This episode is sponsored by Full Scale: https://fullscale.io   Visit the Fraction website: https://hirefraction.com   Learn more about Praveen Ghanta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pghanta  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.