the founder’s
Blog
Looking for advice, stories from real startups, or unique perspectives on our region’s entrepreneurial growth? You’ve come to the right place!
AI Is Not Killing Software as a Service (SaaS)
Everywhere I go online, I see people claiming that SaaS is dead — that AI is going to wipe out the entire business model. There’s a mindset among “vibe coders” (and yes, I’m one of them) that this...
Time Kills Deals: How I Lost $65,000
When I started my very first company, I was still completing my undergrad at Purdue University. I was going to school full-time and trying to get a mobile app development company off the ground. At...
Mindset of a Serial Founder
In my career, I’ve started five companies and a nonprofit. I’m now on the verge of launching my sixth Startup. As my excitement builds leading up to the launch of my new business, it has made me...
What Ecosystems Get Wrong About Startups
In today’s startup culture, less than 1% of founders get venture funding. In fact, the numbers say that somewhere between 0.03% and 0.05% of startups receive venture funding. This data comes from...
The Difference in Appalachian Founders
Watching Johnson City’s startup scene explode over the past few years and gain recognition as a hub for entrepreneurship in the southeast has been truly inspiring. It’s a testament to the founders...
Trading Isn’t Just for the “Finance Bro” — Meet the Woman Leading the Change
If you’re a member of Spark Plaza, you know that the first Friday of every month is reserved for one of our favorite traditions: Members-only Lunch. The workspace generously caters a delicious meal...
Building a Team That Feels Like Family: Lessons From The Generalist
Open The Generalist’s doors and you’ll be greeted by the soft ring of a comforting bell and the warm, familiar words, “Hi, welcome in!” We know this all too well, because here at FoundersForge, we...
1976 Flowers is Blooming in Downtown Johnson City
When Stephanie Alexander opened 1976 Flowers at 211 W Walnut Street in November 2024, she brought more than just beautiful arrangements to downtown Johnson City, she brought three generations of...
The Man Behind Trek’s Biggest Biking Event: Taco Trek
The Taco Trek is the biggest biking event in Johnson City, TN, and now has spread across the globe. Learn about how Chad Wolfe came up with the idea and why it fit so well with Trek’s mantra.
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