
Startups For the Rest of Us
The original podcast for bootstrapped and mostly bootstrapped startups, this show follow the stories of founders as they start, acquire, and grow SaaS companies. Hear when they fail, struggle, succeed, and take you with them through the tumultuous life of a SaaS founder. If you like Mixergy, This Week in Startups, or SaaStr, you’ll enjoy Startup for the Rest of Us.
Latest episodes

Nov 14, 2019 • 22min
TinySeed Tales 4 | A Bug in the Funnel and Giving Up Control
Crag Hewitt, associated with Castos, shares insights on his new hire and a breakthrough in the onboarding process. The conversation explores the struggles of managing a growth stagnation due to a significant bug affecting signups. Crag discusses his evolving marketing strategies, the transition from skepticism to promising conversions, and preparing for collaboration with a seasoned marketer. He opens up about the emotional challenges of delegating responsibilities in a growing business, ultimately embracing the relief and excitement of empowering new team members.

Nov 12, 2019 • 46min
Episode 470 | A Bluetick Update from Mike Taber
Mike Taber, co-founder of Bluetick, shares the latest developments of his SaaS product and the challenges faced during a Google audit, including the complexities of security compliance. He discusses the integration of Zapier, emphasizing customer feedback's role in shaping product differentiation. Mike reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, balancing motivation with the demands of scaling a business. Tune in for insights on navigating the startup landscape with resilience and innovative strategies!

Nov 7, 2019 • 21min
TinySeed Tales 3 | The Best News Ever and the Slog
Craig Hewitt, co-founder of Castos, drops by to share exciting news and insights from the startup realm. He discusses the recent hire of a full-time marketer, emphasizing the optimism it brings. The conversation delves into the complexities of the hiring process and the importance of lead nurturing skills. Craig also candidly addresses the challenges of growth in the SaaS landscape, exploring metrics like revenue churn. He shares the emotional toll of balancing entrepreneurship with family life and highlights the importance of reflection and resilience in navigating this journey.

Nov 5, 2019 • 34min
Episode 469 | Key Takeaways from MicroConf Europe 2019
Discover the insights gained from MicroConf Europe 2019, where speakers tackled the challenges of re-entering the work world after a bustling event. Learn about strategies for managing data loss and ensuring server safety while transitioning services like Balsamiq to the cloud. Explore effective SEO tactics on a limited budget, including podcast tours and guest blogging. Enjoy engaging audience interactions during a live AMA, emphasizing the importance of transparency and context for SaaS growth. Finally, hear inspiring personal stories that highlight the value of community in tech.

Oct 31, 2019 • 22min
TinySeed Tales 2 | Riding the Startup Wave
Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, delves into the intricacies of startup growth in this insightful discussion. He shares strategies for hiring specialized growth marketers and innovative evaluation methods that drive success. Craig also emphasizes the critical role of mental energy for productivity, alongside the challenges faced during a website redesign. He offers practical advice for non-technical founders on collaborating with developers, highlighting the importance of clear communication for better project outcomes.

Oct 29, 2019 • 39min
Episode 468 | Tables Are Turned As Tracy Osborn Interviews Rob About the Past Year
Tracy Osborn interviews Rob, who reflects on life after selling Drip and his journey with TinySeed. They discuss the challenges and successes of developing a remote accelerator for bootstrappers. Key insights include the importance of mentorship, adjusting the application process for better efficiency, and fostering collaboration among startups. Rob emphasizes the shift in mindset toward setbacks and resilience in building a healthier startup mentality, along with personal organizational strategies for task management.

Oct 24, 2019 • 20min
TinySeed Tales 1 | A Non-Technical SaaS Founder
Craig Hewitt, founder of Castos, shares his inspiring journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship in Switzerland. He emphasizes the importance of balancing family priorities with business challenges. The conversation delves into celebrating milestones while managing the emotional rollercoaster of customer feedback and the complexities of hiring in a startup. With a focus on mentorship and community support, Hewitt reveals how navigating these obstacles can shape a founder's experience and expectations for growth.

Oct 22, 2019 • 43min
Episode 467 | “A Life-Changing Exit” with Adii Pienaar of Conversio
Adii Pienaar, an entrepreneur known for his transformative exit from Conversio, shares his journey of navigating the highs and lows of startup life. He discusses the emotional complexities of selling a company, the importance of family values in entrepreneurship, and how personal choices shape business decisions. Adii reflects on the weight of acquisition negotiations and the joy found in post-sale purchases. He emphasizes the newfound freedom and purpose that come with significant life transitions, all while keeping a sense of humor about it.

Oct 17, 2019 • 1min
TinySeed Tales | Season 1 Trailer (Castos)
Experience the rollercoaster of startup life through the eyes of a determined SaaS founder. Discover the emotional highs and lows they face as they navigate challenges and celebrate victories. Community support plays a crucial role in their journey, providing insights on resilience and growth. Tune in for real stories that highlight the struggles and triumphs of bootstrapping a business.

Oct 15, 2019 • 41min
Episode 466 | Answering Listener Questions With Craig Hewitt
Craig Hewitt, a specialist in productized services and podcasting, returns to share insights on entrepreneurship. He discusses the balance between personal life and startup ambitions, the impact of accelerator programs like TinySeed, and the importance of a supportive community for founders. The transition from traditional jobs to consulting is explored, alongside the challenges of managing a SaaS product. Hewitt also emphasizes the critical phases of beta testing and marketing, all while engaging with listener questions for a dynamic discussion.