{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"START","title":"Stephen Llevano: The Founder Journey, Startup Surprises, and Takeaways for Every Founder","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1878,"description":"Stephen Llevano is the founder and CEO of Capabuild, a software platform designed for restoration contractors who work on insurance jobs. Capabuild helps these businesses manage compliance, streamline field documentation, and create accurate estimates — fast.\n\nIn this episode, Stephen shares the full story behind Capabuild: how it started, what he got wrong early on, and the key insights that helped turn it into a real business.\nOne of the biggest takeaways? The power of watching customers work in their real environment — instead of relying on what they say they need.\nWe dive into how observing contractors in the field led to unexpected product decisions, how Capabuild evolved its pricing model after early pushback, and what it takes to build trust in a traditional, change-resistant industry.\nStephen also shares his thoughts on building for overlooked markets, supporting local service businesses, and why long-term traction comes from delivering real operational value — not chasing trends or vanity metrics.\nIf you’re building software for non-obvious industries or trying to unlock early traction, this episode is packed with practical, hard-earned wisdom.\n\nCheck out Capabuild:\nhttps://www.capabuild.app/\nhttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/capabuild/id1642228115\nhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.capabuild.app&pcampaignid=web_share\n\nThis episode is brought to you by:\nFondo — Automate your accounting and unlock up to $500k from the IRS: tryfondo.com\n\nWhere to find Stephen Llevano\nX: https://x.com/StephenLlevano\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-llevano/\n\nWhere to Find David Phillips\nX: https://x.com/davj\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davjphillips/\n\nTakeaways\nConnecting directly with customers as a founder is crucial for product success\nObserving customers in their actual work environment reveals true needs beyond feedback\nPricing strategies must evolve based on real customer insights and market dynamics\nBuilding a startup requires more...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q-E1hh7K6IS4AfZiNy2p4MYVGcUOO8lQP92h8QbOEOA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80NzVj/MDEzNjkxNjU1N2Uy/NDFhMDQ3M2ZhNWI3/NWY0MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}