Someone recently asked me, “Is the business where you expected it to be when you started?” I wouldn’t say the question caught me off guard, but it did make me pause. And honestly? I’m just thrilled about what we’ve been able to do and how we’ve done it. I’m stoked to still be here. Ten years in, we’re still standing. Not a lot of businesses make it past two years. Even fewer make it to five. And getting to ten? That’s rare.
I’m still growing, as a leader, a business partner, and a person. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
In the spirit of reflection cause I feel like that is what I need to do, I want to share a few lessons that have stuck with me. These aren’t meant to be universal truths, just the things that helped us survive and grow. If any of this resonates with you, awesome. If not, thanks for reading.
1. Surround Yourself With People Who Get It
In 2017, we joined EO, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, or more specifically, the EO Accelerator (EOA), because we hadn’t yet hit the $1M revenue mark. EOA was designed to help companies get past that milestone, and it was a total game changer for us.
Up until then, we were grinding, just trying to figure it all out. But EOA gave us structure. It introduced us to a community of founders who were also in the trenches. There were four “learning days”: People, Cash, Strategy, and Execution. That structure helped my co-founder and I realize our strengths. I took the lead on People and Execution. Mike took on Cash and Strategy. That clarity changed everything.
We graduated to EO in 2020 after crossing $1M, and being around other business owners doing $10M, $20M, $30M+ opened my eyes even more. Not just to what’s possible, but to what’s normal at the next level.
The biggest takeaway? You don’t need to build alone. There are founders just like you, figuring it out in real time. And if you find the right group, EO, Founders Club, The Hamptons, Vistage, whatever, the experience shares, the connection, the perspective... it’s invaluable.
2. You Can’t Skip the Work (Don’t skip leg day)
One of the hardest lessons I learned was around building departments. In recruiting and HR, I had deep hands-on experience. I knew how to source, interview, build profiles, and because of that, we created solid systems. Ingrid, who started as our first recruiting assistant, now leads a team of seven as our Recruiting Manager. That department thrives.
But in Sales and Marketing? Different story.
I thought I could just hire someone and let them run with it. But without a process, a system, or even a clear vision, those departments struggled. It wasn’t the people. It was on me. I hadn’t done the work.
So at the end of 2024, I decided to take ownership of Sales and Marketing. I dove into it. Not just to get results, but to learn, build infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for the future. Because the truth is: You can’t outsource what you don’t understand.
My advice? Do the job. Build the process. Then bring someone in to make it better.
3. If You Have a Business Partner, Invest in That Relationship
People often tell me they wish they had a business partner like Mike, and don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful every day that I do. But that relationship didn’t just work magically. We’ve had disagreements. Different visions. Tough moments.
But we’re committed to staying connected. We meet weekly to clear the air. We share our 5% reflections (the real stuff) monthly. We’re involved in each other’s business lives and personal lives.
In 2025, your business life is your personal life. You can’t separate the two. If something’s off at home, it shows up in the office. If something’s broken in the business, it affects your relationships.
So whether you have a partner or you're considering one, ask yourself: Can I be fully transparent with this person? Can I be vulnerable? That’s where the real trust is built.
4. You Can’t Have Too Many Coaches
I’ve learned to invest in coaching across every part of my life. Not because something is wrong, but because I want to keep growing.
I see a therapist monthly.
My wife and I see a couples counselor, think of it as preventative maintenance.
Mike and I work with a business coach who keeps us honest and focused.
I have a fitness coach. I do better when I’m pushed.
You only know what you know. Coaches help you see what you don’t.
5. Authenticity Wins
People don’t want to be sold. They want to connect.
Over the years, I’ve found that being real, honest, and human is what actually draws people in. It leads to trust. It leads to referrals. And in a business like ours, where people are everything, authenticity isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a strategy.
6. Building Remote Culture Is Hard. Do It Anyway.
Before going full-time on Zipdev, I worked at Taylor Guitars, and the culture there was incredible. People celebrated 10, 20, 25-year anniversaries like it was normal. I wasn’t a guitarist, just a kid from Southern California who spoke Spanish, but I felt like family.
That’s what I wanted to create at Zipdev, even in a remote world.
We’re still figuring it out, but here’s some of what’s worked:
Lunch & Learns – Employees share whatever they’re into (one teammate taught us how to make candles)
Turn It Up Thursdays – Everyone adds songs to a shared playlist. Different countries, same vibe.
Book Clubs – We read together, reflect together.
Meetups – If teammates travel to a city with other Zipdev folks, we cover lunch. Connection matters.
Culture takes work. Especially remotely. But it’s worth the effort.
7. Celebrate the Wins
Last year, I went to the Inc. 5000 Gala. It was a moment to high-five other founders, reflect, and actually celebrate that we’re still standing. That we’re still building.
Don’t wait for some massive milestone. Order the expensive steak. Take the day off. Pop a bottle. We’re in this for the long haul, and the moments matter.
8. Hire Slowly, Fire Quickly, and Trust Your Gut
We’ve learned this one the hard way. When we ignored it, it bit us.
There are tons of tools out there to help with hiring (personality assessments, skill tests, behavior fit tools) but your gut still matters. You’re building something meaningful. Make sure the people you hire reflect that.
9. You Need a Stress Reliever (That’s Yours)
Running a business is stressful. The highs are high, but the lows can come fast.
For me, it’s action sports. Surfing. No phone, no noise, just me and the ocean. It resets me completely.
Find your reset. Prioritize it. Your mental clarity will thank you.
Cheers to the Last 10. And the Next.
I’m proud of what we’ve built. I’m grateful to still be standing. And I’m especially grateful that you’re here, whether you’ve been a client, teammate, advisor, or just someone watching from the sidelines.
If anything I’ve shared resonated with you, and you’d like to chat further, grab some time on my calendar.
Cant stop. Wont stop.
Cheers,
Daniel Co-founder, Zipdev.