Marathon Mindset - John Fazzolari & Anthony Serina - Not Another CEO Podcast - Episode #3
Aug 6, 2024
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John Fazzolari and Anthony Serina, co-founders of Revivin, discuss their inspiring journey from a makeshift office in a storage unit to leaders in IT hardware recycling. They emphasize the importance of resilience and a 'marathon mindset' in facing setbacks. With insights on culture building, they advocate for transparency and adaptability in team dynamics. They also highlight the freedom that bootstrapping offers, allowing them to grow their company on their terms while embracing personal experiences that shaped their entrepreneurial spirit.
The evolution of company values is essential, necessitating clear communication and adaptability as the organization develops over time.
Facing rejection can serve as a powerful motivator, helping entrepreneurs like John and Anthony to refine their approach and find market fit.
Bootstrapping allows entrepreneurs the freedom to make independent decisions, enabling growth that aligns with their vision without external pressures from funding sources.
Deep dives
Reviving's Mission and Impact
Revivin focuses on helping large companies recycle and repurpose outdated IT hardware, refurbishing it to provide affordable computer access to consumers. This mission not only aids in reducing electronic waste but also enhances digital accessibility for individuals who may not otherwise have access to a computer. The company emphasizes the importance of sustainability in tech, addressing one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. By bridging the gap between discarded technology and those in need, Revivin aims to create a lasting positive impact on society.
Building a Strong Office Culture
Revivin fosters a vibrant office culture by maintaining a consistent in-office presence for four days a week while allowing one remote day for employees to focus without distractions. This hybrid schedule helps to create a balance between collaboration and individual productivity, enabling team members to dedicate time for deep work. The co-founders believe that despite challenges in hiring, an engaged and committed workforce thrives in an environment that offers both camaraderie and the opportunity for personal growth. Emphasizing mentorship and relationship-building, Revivin nurtures a unique office atmosphere that employees value.
The Importance of Company Values
Establishing and communicating core values has been pivotal for Revivin's growth, as the co-founders learned the necessity of clearly articulating their company's culture. They developed a comprehensive set of values that informs daily operations and decision-making, reflecting the organization's identity. By creating a document titled 'The Revivin Way,' they ensured that all employees understand and embody the company's values from their first day. This commitment to values fosters a cohesive working environment where every team member feels connected to the company's mission and vision.
Hiring for Grit and Adaptability
In the hiring process, Revivin prioritizes candidates' stories and experiences over credentials, seeking individuals who have demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout their lives. The co-founders emphasize the importance of understanding the candidates' motivations and life challenges, as these traits often indicate a strong fit for a fast-paced startup environment. They also look for employees who are comfortable with ambiguity and are willing to take on evolving roles as the company grows. This approach contributes to a loyal team dynamic, fostering long-term relationships and reducing attrition rates.
Navigating Early Challenges and Growth
The earliest days of Revivin presented significant challenges, particularly in finding product-market fit while bootstrapping the company. The co-founders faced constant rejections and difficult circumstances, which forced them to be resourceful and determined amidst uncertainty. They overcame obstacles by actively seeking feedback from potential customers and adjusting their offerings based on real needs. This process of relentless pursuit and perseverance ultimately led them to success, demonstrating the importance of resilience in the entrepreneurial journey.
Joining the show this week are two individuals who embody the idea of perseverance and grit, who’ve bootstrapped their way to become a leader in the electronic waste industry. This dynamic duo is none other than Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Revivin, John Fazzolari and Anthony Serina.
John and Anthony join host David Politis to discuss their journey from storage unit offices to industry leaders. John and Anthony reflect on how their upbringings affected their entrepreneurial mindsets and their struggles to find product market fit. Discover their insights for creating a strong office culture, building and maintaining customer relationships, and the impact of staying bootstrapped throughout their growth.
Takeaways:
A company’s values evolve as the company continues to develop. You should have your values written down and communicated to everyone, but expect them to change over time.
Don’t let rejection slow you down. Instead, use it as motivation to keep going. John and Anthony faced plenty of rejection when starting out, but they persisted and found their place in the market without significant support.
Bootstrapping provides freedom to grow your company how you want. John and Anthony weren’t able to secure funding, and if given the chance they prefer the freedom that it provided as there are no boards to answer to when making big decisions.
Having a marathon mindset can be a great help to push through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Building a business doesn’t always go exactly how you expect, so focus on your goal’s destination rather than how you get there.
Making Co-CEOs work isn’t for everyone. While most contemporaries have advised against it, John and Anthony have known each other for decades and were able to split duties while staying aligned on the same overall goal to become successful Co-CEOs.
When you’re starting out, go the extra mile to build relationships with your clients. Show them you care and that their feedback is valuable, as it can lead to customer loyalty.
Quote of the Show:
“Great companies have been built without capital, but not without people.” - John Fazzolari
“No matter how much we communicate something, we could always communicate more of it.” - Anthony Serina