In this episode of Founder Problems, hosts Zach Oshinbanjo, Lee Zuvanich, and Sarah Schumacher discuss the challenging decision of whether to shut down or pivot a business. Zach shares a recent realization, and they all reflect on their personal startup experiences, emphasizing the significance of community support, understanding opportunity costs, the role of luck, and maintaining a balance between perseverance and practicality. Zach offers advice on the logistical aspects of closing a business, offering insights on how to move forward effectively.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Founder Problems

00:12 Meet the Hosts

00:51 Season Two Kickoff

01:19 The Reality of Failure

02:28 Balancing Multiple Ventures

03:28 The Importance of Adaptability

05:55 Economic Challenges and Business Longevity

07:15 The Role of Investors

17:38 The Value of Community Support

18:58 Opportunity Cost and Decision Making

23:01 Recognizing When to Pivot

25:10 Navigating Career Pivots

25:46 The Myth of Overnight Success

26:14 Quitting vs. Starting Anew

28:14 The Emotional Toll of Shutting Down

30:55 Learning from Failure

36:40 The Importance of Proper Closure

38:58 Embracing New Beginnings

40:15 Reflecting on the Journey

43:21 Celebrating Endings and New Starts

Mentioned in this Episode:

• 36 Hours of Pain
• Pipeline Entrepreneurs
• Boddle Learning on Startland News
• Betty Rae's Ice Cream in Kansas City
• Shatto Milk Company in Kansas City

Founder Problems is a podcast by and for real-world, fed-up founders. Three entrepreneurs in the messy middle share hot takes, actionable steps, and resources to navigate the challenges of running a business—no promises of 10x growth or swooning investors. Every founder’s journey is different, so take what works and make it your own.

Learn more at founderproblems.com.