Scott Weir didn’t just build a business he rewrote the narrative he was handed.

Raised in poverty. Bullied. Stealing food just to survive. Told he’d never amount to anything. For a long time, he believed it. Until he didn’t.

In this episode of Success or Excuses, James Fleming sits down with Scott to unpack what it really takes to go from a childhood of hardship to building an award-winning property business with heart.

At 16, he joined the Navy. Years later, he started Pillow Partners with no laptop, no money, and no clue just an idea, relentless work ethic, and the drive to make life better for others.

Diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult, Scott realised his brain wasn’t broken, it was built differently. And that difference became his advantage.

Now, he not only runs a thriving short-term let management business, but helps other entrepreneurs through his franchise model and gives back through Safe Havens, an emergency housing initiative supporting families in crisis.

This episode is raw, honest and full of perspective. Scott doesn’t pretend it’s been easy but he proves it’s possible.

Key moments include:
✔️ The trauma that shaped him — and the mindset that changed everything
✔️ Why dyslexia turned out to be his greatest business strength
✔️ How he launched Pillow Partners without money, experience or a backup plan
✔️ What it's really like to lead when you’ve grown up with nothing
✔️ Why giving back is built into his business model
✔️ The difference between ego-led growth and servant leadership
✔️ His advice for anyone who feels like they don’t fit the mould
✔️ What every young person needs to hear if they’ve ever been told they won’t make it

Subscribe to Success or Excuses for more raw, straight-talking conversations with people who’ve built, rebuilt, and kept going long after everyone else gave up.

Follow James Fleming:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesflemingtpwtd
Success or Excuses Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/successorexcusespodcast?igsh=OW51MzlrazkwMXc%3D&utm_source=qr
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SuccessorExcusesPodcast
Website → https://thepowerwithintraining.com/

Follow Scott Weir:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottweirpillowpartners/
Website → https://pillowpartners.co.uk
Instagram → @pillowpartners