So You Want to Start a Business: The Value of Bootstrapping

Hard-earned wisdom on building something sustainable without betting the farm

When people learn I'm involved in ownership of eight different businesses, they often assume I started with advantages most don't have – family money, venture capital, or at least a cushy fallback plan. The reality? I started with virtually nothing but a willingness to learn as I went and a commitment to never risking more than I could afford to lose.

Over the years, I've collected some hard-earned wisdom about what it takes to build something from nothing. If you're considering starting a business – whether it's a side hustle or your full-time dream – here are the principles that helped me navigate from zero to success without losing my mind (or my shirt).