Strategy Candy: Strategy | OKR | Product Management Why Culture is Everything: How Peter Forbes Built a SaaS Business Worth Acquiring
Summary: In this episode, Tim sits down with Peter Forbes, founder of HR Onboard, which he grew from a startup into a thriving business acquired by Elmo Software. Peter shares his path from a young developer to a tech entrepreneur, offering insights into what it takes to create a purpose-driven, people-first company. This conversation goes beyond typical startup advice to reveal why a strong company culture is the real game-changer in any business journey. Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned leader, you’ll learn powerful tips for creating a high-performing team and positioning a business for acquisition. Plus, Tim and Peter dive into how OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can help pinpoint focus, avoid distractions, and accelerate growth.
Timestamps:
- [00:00] – Tim introduces Peter Forbes and the journey of HR Onboard.
- [00:02] – Peter’s early days: From developer to entrepreneur.
- [00:07] – The importance of freedom, independence, and building a team.
- [00:14] – Navigating through a diversified business: Why focus matters.
- [00:19] – How to choose your business path based on passion, not profit.
- [00:24] – Building a values-driven company: The “Robot, Monkey, Spaceman” framework.
- [00:30] – Real talk on hiring and firing: Why alignment with core values is critical.
- [00:38] – The power of strategic agility: Adjusting direction without losing focus.
- [00:45] – Lessons learned from burnout and the struggle of “doing it all.”
- [00:55] – Peter’s next venture: Ensuring payroll compliance across industries.
- [00:57] – Tim’s top takeaways and the significance of customer-centered problem-solving.
Guest Bio: Peter Forbes is the founder of HR Onboard, a company he scaled into a successful acquisition by Elmo Software. With a background in software development and deep experience in HR tech, Peter built his business on a foundation of strong company values, customer-centered design, and a relentless focus on culture. A firm believer in keeping things simple, Peter’s journey demonstrates how clarity, purpose, and team alignment can drive sustained growth and long-term success. Now taking a sabbatical, he’s exploring new projects with a focus on payroll compliance tools.
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