On this episode, Aaron Gordon interviews Forge3 founder Jeff Teschke to delve into his entrepreneurial journey. Despite initial failures with iSpot and a failed attempt at revival, Jeff's resilience and willingness to learn proved crucial in his success. After being let go from a big company, Jeff's stint at a small software startup led to the creation of iSpot, which caught Microsoft's attention. While discussing past unsuccessful ventures, Jeff highlights his pivot to specialized services for insurance agencies and how his longest running employees have played a vital role in Forge 3's growth. The conversation centers around the theme of resilience, as Jeff's relentless optimism and drive to 'keep hustling' exemplify the mindset of a successful entrepreneur.

Get To Know Jeff Teschke Jeff Teschke is a leading technology entrepreneur, private pilot, and boater known for his relentless passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. As the founder and former CEO of Forge 3, Jeff has dedicated his career to providing small and mid-sized businesses with the tools and inspiration to succeed in the digital age. His hands-on expertise and ability to communicate in a non-tech, business-friendly way has made him a go-to expert for thousands of businesses nationwide. With his catchphrases "forge ahead" and "keep hustling," Jeff continues to inspire and stand out in the world of technology and business. LinkedIn Forge3

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace the Learning Curve of Failure: Jeff Teschke's retrospective on his earlier ventures, including EyeSpot and various failed SaaS products, underscores the value of perseverance through failings. His experiences teach us that each setback is an opportunity for growth, and the willingness to continue despite repeated failures can lead to eventual success.

2. The Importance of Pivoting with Purpose: Through his journey, Jeff illustrates the necessity of adapting one's business model to align with market demands and personal strengths. His transition from a broad digital service offering to a specialized niche with active agency reveals how focused strategy and targeted expertise can catalyze a company's growth.

3. Cultivating Optimism and Continuous Improvement: Jeff's personal mantra, "progress is perfection," encapsulates the mindset that continual improvement is more valuable than flawless execution. This perspective encourages listeners to celebrate incremental advancements and maintain a positive outlook, even when the road to success is littered with obstacles.