{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"How I Tested That","title":"Gil Vaisman | How I Tested ADU’s","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1835,"description":"Summary\n\nIn this episode I’m joined by Gil Vaisman. He’s the founder of GoADU, a construction company focused on building accessory dwelling units.\nWe explore how he went from a 15-year career in film editing to building a construction business that helps homeowners unlock equity and create new living spaces. \nWhat started out as a personal project in his own backyard turned into a growing business built through trial, error, and constant iteration.\nGil shares how he tested his way into the market, from helping friends navigate permitting to evolving into a guaranteed fixed pricing model. We also dig into how he qualifies customers, avoids costly mistakes, and thinks about what to test next in an industry that’s rapidly changing.\nIf you’re trying to turn a personal pain point into something scalable, this episode is a great look at how testing can lead to a viable business.\n\nEnjoy my conversation with Gil Vaisman.\n\nTakeaways\n\nGreat businesses often start as personal pain points - Gil’s ADU company emerged from building one in his own backyard and helping friends navigate the same confusing process. \nTransferable skills matter more than industry experience - His background in film production translated directly into construction, both require coordination, budgeting, timelines, and managing complex teams. \nEarly traction came from education, not selling - In the beginning, most customers didn’t even know what an ADU was, growth required teaching the market before capturing it. \nTrial and error built the real expertise - Navigating difficult permitting processes and making costly mistakes early on became the foundation for a repeatable, refined system. \nPre-qualification is critical in complex services - Gil now asks 20–25 upfront questions before taking on a client, ensuring alignment and reducing downstream risk. \n\nCompeting on price is a starting point, not a strategy - The business initially won work by being the cheapest, but evolved into a premium, top-20%...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/hRAQ0Cvexq2Nhl7H1KPLfxWZ14skSKkH4xG8JMRnoOM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzUwMDU0LzE3MDg3/MTI0NTQtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}