Tyler Rooney was the Co-Founder of Format (acquired by Zenfolio). Format has been offering creatives solutions to showcase, manage and grow their business since 2010.
Takeaways
The dot-com era at Waterloo was a formative time for Tyler, where he learned valuable lessons and worked at startups a few of which ultimately flamed out.
Tyler's early work experiences at companies like Infusion Development and Amazon taught him what he did and did not want to do, and helped him discover his strengths.
The inspiration from 37Signals and Basecamp influenced Tyler's approach to building Format, focusing on sustainable business models and creating value for customers.
Tyler's obsession with SaaS and business metrics.
Format experienced early traction and growth, and Tyler emphasizes the importance of staying true to bootstrapping and not getting caught up in the hype of raising venture capital.
The acquisition of Format and the change in pace it created for Tyler.
Throughout his journey, Tyler has learned the importance of meaningful relationships and the support of people in both personal and professional life.
Chapters
00:00 Tyler's Time at Waterloo and Startups
03:00 Early Work Experiences and Lessons Learned
09:50 Inspiration from 37signals and Basecamp
13:29 The Idea for Format and Building the Business
21:29 Early Traction and Maintaining Momentum
25:59 Reflections on the Journey and Staying True to Bootstrapping
35:05 Transitioning from Format and Future Excitement
46:08 Dealing with Hard Times and the Importance of People
48:20 Closing Thoughts on Meaningful Relationships
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