192. How to Start a SaaS Business (Even If You’re Not in Tech)

13 snips

Jun 23, 2025

Dan Uyemura, founder of PushPress and former internet engineer, shares his unique journey of transforming frustrations into solutions in the gym software industry. He discusses finding inspiration for his company's name and the long game approach to business growth. Dan emphasizes the importance of genuine customer service and listening to feedback, which sets successful SaaS businesses apart. With insights on building a Minimum Viable Product and navigating early challenges, his story is a treasure for aspiring entrepreneurs keen on making real market impact.

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ANECDOTE

Founder Built PushPress From Frustration

Dan Uyemura was an internet engineer turned gym owner who built PushPress out of frustration with poor gym software.
He understood gym needs intimately because he experienced managing a gym himself.

ADVICE

Prioritize Fast Support and Say No

Deliver real-time customer support under five minutes to stand out in early SaaS stages.
Be selective with clients and say no if their needs will hurt the product long-term.

ANECDOTE

First Client Came From Twitter Mix-up

Dan’s first paying client came through a Twitter dispute misidentification, showing the power of luck.
This early client was an enthusiastic early adopter aligning with their tech-forward mindset.

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Dan Uyemura, founder of the top-rated gym software company PushPress, joins Ryan Atkinson on The UpFlip Podcast to share his journey of building a successful SaaS business. As a former internet engineer and gym owner, Dan intimately understood the need for better software development in the fitness industry, leading him to create PushPress. This episode dives into the core challenges and triumphs of building a software company from the ground up.

Learn about the surprising inspiration behind the company name, the long game strategy that drove business growth, and the valuable lessons he learned about identifying market needs and building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

Tune in to hear Dan's candid insights on scaling a software platform, the importance of listening to customer feedback, and his unwavering commitment to providing genuine value. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to refine your business strategy, this episode offers a practical look into the SaaS market.

Takeaways:

- Entrepreneurship often involves turning frustrations into opportunities, as Dan built PushPress to solve his own problems with gym software.

- Customer service can be a significant differentiator, especially in the early stages of building a SaaS company.

- Authenticity and a genuine love for your customer base are crucial for long-term success in niche markets.

- Scaling a vertical SaaS business can be a slow and steady process, requiring patience and perseverance.

- Your initial product might be more of a learning tool, and you need to be prepared to rebuild or significantly iterate as you understand customer needs better.

- Listening to customer feedback and allowing it to guide product development (like PushPress Grow) can lead to significant revenue streams.

- Having a strong conviction about your product and target audience can help you make strategic decisions, including when to say "no" to potential clients.

- A holistic marketing approach, including SEO and paid advertising, becomes important for sustained growth.

- Building a successful SaaS company requires a long-term perspective and the ability to weather numerous challenges.

- Providing value to your customers should be the primary driver, with financial success being a result of that value creation.

Tags: SaaS, Tech Ventures, Software Development, Business Growth, Business Funding

Resources:

Start Your Business Today: https://links.upflip.com/3ZJxGqn

Connect with Dan : https://www.instagram.com/danielsan/?hl=en