Practical Founders Podcast

Vince Mayfield, cofounder and CEO of TalkingParents, discusses the journey of creating a co-parenting app designed to enhance communication between divorced parents. He shares insights on achieving over $10 million in annual recurring revenue through bootstrap funding. The conversation highlights the app's role in reducing conflicts and improving accountability. Vince emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in refining pricing strategies and evolving the company as it grows. He also reflects on the need for adaptability and lifelong learning in the startup world.

Alan Miegel, co-founder and CEO of BetterComp, shares his journey of launching a leading compensation management platform. He discusses moving from founder funding to raising $33 million in growth equity, emphasizing the importance of community among B2B SaaS founders. Alan highlights the challenges of maintaining control while securing investments and shares how he prioritized his co-founders over his earnings. The conversation also touches on scaling from $1 million to $10 million in revenue, emphasizing customer relationships, innovation, and strategic funding for future growth.

Zvi Band, co-founder and former CEO of Contactually, discusses his tumultuous journey through VC funding and the emotional toll of startup life. He candidly reveals the survival mode he endured, often neglecting to celebrate successes along the way. Zvi shares insights on building lasting business relationships, the challenges of modern connection in a digital age, and the delicate balance between bootstrapping and seeking funding. His reflections illuminate the tension between ambitious growth targets and personal well-being, offering valuable lessons for aspiring founders.

Shoanok (Sean) Mallapurkar, Founder and CEO of RecruitCRM, shares insights on building a successful family business with his father. They highlight the challenges of managing a remote team while achieving nearly $10 million in recurring revenue. The duo discusses their innovative approach to CRM solutions tailored for staffing agencies, emphasizing performance-based compensation. Sean also explores the transformative role of AI in business operations and their vision of creating a billion-dollar company without venture capital, focusing on sustainable growth and family legacy.

Jesse Burrell, CEO and co-founder of BatchData, shares his journey from real estate investor to software entrepreneur. He discusses the explosive growth of his company, reaching $35 million in revenue, followed by the challenges of market shifts and regulatory changes. As they pivoted from B2C to B2B, he highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and innovations in data analytics. Jesse reflects on leadership struggles, maintaining company culture, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, providing valuable insights for aspiring founders.

Brian Forbis, CEO of Blood Bank Computer Systems, Inc., shares his journey of modernizing his mother's legacy software firm. He discusses the critical transition from outdated systems to cloud-based ERP solutions in the blood bank industry. Challenges such as regulatory compliance, data migration, and customer relationships are tackled head-on. Brian emphasizes the unique collaboration within the blood donation sector and the transformative role of AI in enhancing operations. His commitment to saving lives while navigating the complexities of the business shines through.

Chris Brisson, CEO and co-founder of Salesmsg, shares his transformative journey from shutting down his first company to launching a successful SMS platform. He emphasizes the shift from one-way to conversational texting, enhancing customer engagement. Chris discusses the importance of reinvesting profits for growth without outside funding, navigating business transitions, and driving innovation. He delves into sustainable strategies for thriving in the SaaS industry, highlighting the benefits of SMS communication and strong partnerships, all while maintaining control and fostering a robust team dynamic.

In this engaging conversation, Tracy Larson, President and CEO of WeSuite, shares her journey from security systems to a successful software company. She discusses managing growth post-acquisition, focusing on stability for staff and clients. Tracy highlights the importance of mentorship for women founders and the necessity of establishing personal advisory boards. She delves into the challenges of software customization, the emotional shifts after a sale, and the transformative nature of entrepreneurship. Plus, she reflects on the empowering role of AI in sales and leadership.

Henry Valentino, founder and CEO of EConnect, shares insights from his journey in creating facial recognition software for casinos. He discusses the innovative shift from traditional security to AI-driven solutions driven by the pandemic's challenges. Valentino emphasizes the importance of knowing your financials as a CEO, the intricacies of navigating funding in the tech space, and the critical need for compliance in an evolving privacy landscape. With nearly $10 million in revenue, he highlights how tech can enhance both safety and customer experiences in the casino industry.

Josh Turley, CEO of RTA Fleet Management, took the reins of his family's small software business and transformed it into a SaaS powerhouse. He discusses the challenges of modernizing an old system, including shifting from COBOL to a cloud-based model and navigating the complexities of growth equity investment. Turley shares insights on strategic leadership, the importance of company values in hiring, and the fun culture he fosters, like Hawaiian shirt Fridays. His journey emphasizes balancing innovation with legacy while achieving remarkable growth in the fleet management software industry.