What adversity most influenced your decision to found?

Sam Parr

Co-Founder · Hampton

Failed Fundraising

Sam Parr says he failed to raise money for his first company because no one wanted to invest and they called it a lifestyle business.

Peter Rahal

Chief Executive Officer · David

Labeled Disabled

Peter Rahal says being labeled disabled because of his dyslexia, and overhearing teachers ask if he was stupid, broke him and became his deep motivation to prove them wrong; he says he channels that spite and anger into company building.

Marty Kausas

Customer Support, also Co-Founder & CEO · Pylon

Not Ambitious Enough

Marty Kausas says being told by a girlfriend that he wasn’t ambitious or good enough was impactful, raising his ceiling as he entered the workforce and making him feel he had to go win in the real world.

The answer starts at 33:49.

Daniel Lubetzky

Host

Leaving Law School

Daniel Lubetzky points to leaving law school, saying he left his law career to try to build peace in the Middle East "one tomato spread at a time" because he believed in his mission.

Sarah Buchner

Founder & CEO · Trunk Tools, Inc.

Broke and Heartbroken

Sarah Buchner says being broke and heartbroken influenced her decision to start her venture; she recalls being freshly single, out of money after Stanford, and decided she couldn't give up without trying.

The answer starts at 27:23.

Steven Walchek

Founder and CEO · Liminal

Father's Example

Steven Walchek attributes his own path to his father's example, saying he got here because he is a product of a family, his father in particular, of risk takers.