What happens when a founder decides to step off the venture capital treadmill and build a business focused on sustainable growth instead of unicorn status? Sahil Lavigna's journey with Gumroad provides a refreshing alternative to typical Silicon Valley narratives.

Gumroad eliminated office space, stripped back to core functionality, and rebuilt around a simple promise: helping creators earn a living with minimal friction.

This pivot proved remarkably successful. With a business model charging just 5% plus 30 cents per sale (significantly lower than competitors), Gumroad has grown to $11.1 million in annual revenue while supporting creators earning over $5 million monthly.

Sahil's transparent approach, exemplified by his article "Reflecting on my Failure to Build a Billion Dollar Company," resonated deeply with creators disillusioned by the hyper-growth startup model. His practical advice rings true for founders everywhere: solve real problems, charge fair prices, keep costs low, and protect your work-life balance.

Subscribe to hear more stories of entrepreneurs building location-independent businesses on their own terms, and share this episode with someone forging their own path in the world of remote work.

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Discover how Sam Rosen, co-founder and CEO of DeskPass, turned a pivotal moment in New York into a global movement redefining where and how we work. Sam's journey from designing in Chicago to building a flexible workspace marketplace will inspire you to rethink traditional office environments.

Learn how his unique blend of creativity and technology insight has driven DeskPass to become a leader in connecting companies with diverse workspace solutions worldwide.

You'll also learn DeskPass's strategy for standing out in an increasingly crowded market. From offering a variety of workspace options in both bustling cities and quiet rural areas to adopting a user-focused design and flexible pricing model, DeskPass is revolutionizing the way businesses approach workspaces. Sam shares his business's hiring practices that ensure cultural fit and reveals the keys to building a great team.

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In today's episode Ashley Widener, the Director of Marketing at GoCo, talks through her journey from the conventional office life in Houston to a fully remote work setup. She's built and led a globally distributed marketing team and her plans to live and work from a van are intriguing. Ashley's story is not just about adapting to change but embracing it, all while maintaining a vibrant company culture.

Ashley shares how to navigate the unpredictable waters of remote work. Drawing from personal experiences, she reflects on how an unexpected leap into marketing led her to a career brimming with innovation and creativity at GoCo. Her anecdotes about solo travel adventures—beginning in the landscapes of Iceland—illustrate the profound personal growth that comes with taking risks. For anyone contemplating a location-independent career, Ashley emphasizes the importance of understanding what "remote" means and aligning it with personal goals.

In an age where remote work is the new norm, Ashley offers advice on maintaining productivity and developing new hobbies, even in the confines of a van. From orchestrating hybrid events to balancing team dynamics, she shares strategies to enhance communication and teamwork in a remote setting. With tips on building balanced teams and insights on the qualities that make remote workers successful, Ashley's experience offers a roadmap to thriving in today's evolving work environment. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, adventure, and the pursuit of a flexible, fulfilling work life.

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