Episode 230 - Gearing Up Auto Shops with Ashot Iskandarian
Dec 20, 2022
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Ashot Iskandarian, founder of Shopmonkey, shares his journey from a tech startup's struggles to securing $75 million in funding. He discusses the grit required to scale his auto repair shop management software while balancing faith and ambition. Ashot highlights the 'Maintenance for Moms' initiative supporting single mothers and sheds light on the resilience of his Ukrainian team amid conflict. He also reflects on how wealth influences relationships and the importance of divine guidance in navigating entrepreneurial challenges.
Ashot Iskandarian emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith as one's identity in entrepreneurship to navigate financial struggles and personal challenges.
The dual approach of ShopMonkey combines technological innovation with community support through initiatives like Maintenance for Moms, addressing both business efficiency and social responsibility.
Deep dives
The Importance of Identity in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurs must ensure their identity is rooted in faith rather than wealth, as financial success can lead to personal struggles. A key insight from the episode is that entrepreneurship, although often rewarding, can be a lonely journey, and having a solid foundation in one's faith helps navigate challenges. The speaker emphasizes that moments of loss and hardship, such as selling a successful company, can lead to profound personal reflection and growth. Recognizing that one is a 'winner or a learner' rather than a 'winner or loser' highlights the importance of maintaining a positive perspective in difficult times.
ShopMonkey: Bridging Passion and Purpose
Ashot Iskandarian's journey to founding ShopMonkey originates from a love for cars and a recognition of inefficiencies in the auto repair industry. After observing the challenges faced by shop owners, he combined his skills in software with his passion for motorsports to create a cloud-based solution that simplified their operations. Furthermore, while establishing ShopMonkey, he and his wife launched a nonprofit initiative called Maintenance for Moms, aimed at helping single mothers with vehicle repairs. This dual approach ensures that their success not only brings technological advancements but also addresses community needs.
Navigating Growth with Responsibility
As ShopMonkey grew and secured significant funding, it became essential to approach success with a mentality of stewardship rather than ownership. The speaker reflects on the risks of affluence, sharing the wisdom that prosperity can lead to personal and relational challenges if not managed carefully. By prioritizing intentional giving and aligning decisions with their faith, they aim to combat the temptations of greed and materialism. This mindset fosters a healthy family dynamic and keeps their entrepreneurial journey grounded in their values.
Perseverance Amid Uncertainty
The early days of ShopMonkey were marked by significant challenges, including limited resources and uncertainty. Ashot's perseverance, particularly during trying times, exemplifies the need for faith-driven entrepreneurs to remain committed to their vision even when faced with adversity. The resilience shown by his team, especially during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, illustrates the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming obstacles. This commitment to both growth and ethical responsibility fosters a positive work environment and strengthens the foundations of their business.
Starting a business isn’t sexy. Sometimes, the road to success isn’t either.
When Ashot quit his job to grow Shopmonkey, an auto repair shop management software, he had three months of runway-income for his family. He was signing up one customer at a time, creating designs for marketing, and doing live chat support while raising capital to ensure the business continued.
In 2021, Shopmonkey raised 75 million in Series C funding, allowing the business to grow into 4,000 shops across US and Canada.
In this episode, Ashot gets honest about the trappings of ambition, growth, and taking on risk as a Faith Driven Entrepreneur.
At Faith Driven Entrepreneur, we want to connect and equip business visionaries like you to fulfill your call to create and transform the world around you. Learn more at faithdrivenentrepreneur.org
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