Idea to Startup
Brian Scordato | Tacklebox
A podcast for people working on startup ideas. We have 15-minute tactical episodes and occasional interviews with people who did the early things exceptionally well. We've helped launch hundreds of startups worth hundreds of millions of dollars, and these are the building blocks.
"This is, without a doubt, the best podcast for people trying to build startups out there."
"If you aren't listening to this podcast and you're considering building a business (or you're already building one), what are you doing?"
"Must listen for first-time entrepreneurs - excellent storyteller."
"This is, without a doubt, the best podcast for people trying to build startups out there."
"If you aren't listening to this podcast and you're considering building a business (or you're already building one), what are you doing?"
"Must listen for first-time entrepreneurs - excellent storyteller."
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 23min
How to Identify and Kill Bad Startup Ideas Masquerading As Good Ones (ITS Classic)
Explore a powerful framework to identify weak startup ideas and turn them into strengths. Learn to evaluate real customer risks while flipping them into marketing opportunities. Discover how to assess organic growth potential with the Delta IV scale. The discussion includes a case study on an AI messaging tool for plumbers, revealing critical factors for early customer conversion. Finally, find out how to pinpoint specific problems to create a compelling wedge that attracts initial users.
Jan 7, 2026 • 28min
The Three Pillars of Sales for Entrepreneurs Who Hate Sales (ITS Classic)
Entrepreneurs often shy away from sales, but it can be an opportunity for growth. The podcast dives into effective sales tactics that feel authentic rather than slimy, focusing on outreach, pricing, and systemization. Personal anecdotes, like a Honda lease experience, illustrate key lessons about ethical sales practices. Trust-building techniques and the importance of upfront pricing are emphasized. It wraps up with actionable tips like vetting customers and automating outreach to create a scalable sales system.
Dec 31, 2025 • 18min
Three Ways to Create Trust (ITS Classic - top 1%)
Discover why people trust strangers in NYC with their car keys! Explore fascinating stories about street parking and community trust. Learn how a baldness cure salesman achieves an impressive conversion rate and the three essential tactics for building customer trust: authority, specificity, and consistency. Find out how focusing on urgent problems fosters trust and why repeated interactions are key to earning it. A must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate deep connections in their startup journey!
Dec 18, 2025 • 15min
The One-Inch Picture Frame
Explore how to break down overwhelming startup plans with manageable methods. Discover the power of Short Assignments and Shitty Drafts, inspired by Anne Lamott, to make progress. Learn to audit your life with a probing question that helps eliminate the unnecessary. Brian shares insights on narrowing ideas, like using the One-Inch Picture Frame technique for focused brainstorming. Plus, he emphasizes the importance of quick, iterative testing over seeking perfection. It's a concise yet impactful guide for budding entrepreneurs!
11 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 14min
How to Find Your Customers In-Person (Even If You're SURE You Can't)
Discover the power of in-person customer acquisition, crucial for early-stage founders. Learn how specificity builds trust and drives conversions! Explore methods to find hard-to-reach customers, including filter events and park strategies. Get tips on crafting an effective outreach script, emphasizing problem-solving. Physical cards and simple landing pages can help capture interest. Ultimately, realize that stepping out of your comfort zone pays off, yielding the best ROI and deeper customer insights.
7 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 22min
The Coffee Truck Idea I'd Start Tomorrow (Thanksgiving Mailbag)
In this lively discussion, the host reveals why a coffee truck is the perfect startup idea for today. They break down key criteria for a successful business, highlighting the importance of founder fit. Tips on getting your spouse onboard with entrepreneurial plans are shared, featuring practical strategies. Additionally, a selection of ideal gifts for new entrepreneurs is provided, ensuring that anyone launching their venture has the support they need for success. Tune in for inspiration and holiday cheer!
Nov 20, 2025 • 18min
How to Finally Get Your Ideas Into the World as a Right-Brain Founder
This discussion is a must-listen for right-brain founders diving into the world of execution. Discover how to harness AI for planning and goal-setting while navigating idea overload. Learn about the Regroup System to enhance focus by wrapping up sessions with reflective journaling. Finally, find out how the Icebox technique can help you manage and revisit your overflow of ideas without getting sidetracked. It's a practical toolkit designed to transform creativity into action!
10 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 33min
How to Pick Your First Customer
Choosing your first customer can make or break your startup. The right customer can drive growth, while the wrong one can doom you. Key characteristics include acute pain, strong knowledge, measurable success, influence in their network, and frequent interactions with your product. Founders learn to actively seek out and validate these traits before scaling their business. Plus, real-world examples help illustrate the path to early success.
Oct 30, 2025 • 24min
How to Niche if You're Afraid of Niching
Explore the intriguing dilemma of whether to niche down as an entrepreneur. Hear about the benefits and drawbacks of a focused approach, and understand how a good niche can establish trust. Discover how to grow from a niche—vertically or horizontally—while learning the importance of influential customers. Delve into stories of unique business concepts, like a chef teaching through smell, and reflect on the importance of choosing a niche that addresses customer needs, not personal preferences. Trust your future self to navigate the journey!
Oct 23, 2025 • 19min
How to Find and Solve Hard Problems (feat. a used car salesman and The Problem Hunters) ITS classic
Hard problems are the only problems worth your time. Today, we'll talk about how to identify them and build a business around them. We'll dig in on decisions customers avoid and using those decisions to anchor early traction. We'll talk through Brian's favorite current business - a guy who buys used cars for you - and how to approach helping people with chronic pain. Also, I'm writing a book! Want to help me? Sign up here. Tacklebox
