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Episode Description:
Connor sits down with Miles Lasater, founder of Purpose Built and co-founder of multiple successful companies, including HireOne, which went public in 2010. Miles shares insights on scaling a business from college startup to IPO, hiring a CEO as a young founder, and the challenges of breaking into difficult markets like higher education and government. He also discusses his venture studio, Purpose Built, and the innovative startups he's helping to launch.
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Connor sits down with Miles Lasater, founder of Purpose Built and co-founder of multiple successful companies, including HireOne, which went public in 2010. Miles shares insights on scaling a business from college startup to IPO, hiring a CEO as a young founder, and the challenges of breaking into difficult markets like higher education and government. He also discusses his venture studio, Purpose Built, and the innovative startups he's helping to launch.
Check Out Our Sponsors
Pine View Insurance Group
Byldd
Chapters:
[00:00:00] Welcome Miles Lasater
[00:00:30] Founding Higher One in College
[00:01:15] The Advantage of Naivete
[00:02:00] Painting Through Uncertainty
[00:02:30] Scaling to 1,000 Campuses
[00:03:00] Hiring a CEO as Founders
[00:04:00] Picking the Right Leader
[00:05:00] Role Evolution and Growth
[00:06:30] IPO and Scaling Challenges
[00:07:15] Revenue Model and Growth
[00:08:30] Navigating Financial Regulations
[00:09:45] Learning Banking from Scratch
[00:10:30] Thinking Beyond Industry Norms
[00:12:00] Founder-Friendly Stock Options
[00:12:45] Transitioning Out of HireOne
[00:14:15] The Itch to Start Again
[00:15:00] Seeclickfix and Civic Tech
[00:16:30] Selling to Universities and Cities
[00:18:30] Building Trust in Government
[00:19:15] Launching Purpose Built
[00:20:30] Coral Care and Healthcare Startups
[00:22:00] Twill: Referral-Based Hiring
[00:24:15] Dunbar and Relationship Mapping
[00:25:45] AI’s Impact on Networking
[00:26:45] Banning Cell Phones in Schools
[00:28:30] Supply-Side Liberalism Explained
[00:30:00] What Excites Miles in 2025
[00:30:30] Where to Find Miles
Miles' Stuff:
Purpose Built: https://www.purposebuilt.vc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mileslasater/
My Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
[00:00:00] Welcome Miles Lasater
[00:00:30] Founding Higher One in College
[00:01:15] The Advantage of Naivete
[00:02:00] Painting Through Uncertainty
[00:02:30] Scaling to 1,000 Campuses
[00:03:00] Hiring a CEO as Founders
[00:04:00] Picking the Right Leader
[00:05:00] Role Evolution and Growth
[00:06:30] IPO and Scaling Challenges
[00:07:15] Revenue Model and Growth
[00:08:30] Navigating Financial Regulations
[00:09:45] Learning Banking from Scratch
[00:10:30] Thinking Beyond Industry Norms
[00:12:00] Founder-Friendly Stock Options
[00:12:45] Transitioning Out of HireOne
[00:14:15] The Itch to Start Again
[00:15:00] Seeclickfix and Civic Tech
[00:16:30] Selling to Universities and Cities
[00:18:30] Building Trust in Government
[00:19:15] Launching Purpose Built
[00:20:30] Coral Care and Healthcare Startups
[00:22:00] Twill: Referral-Based Hiring
[00:24:15] Dunbar and Relationship Mapping
[00:25:45] AI’s Impact on Networking
[00:26:45] Banning Cell Phones in Schools
[00:28:30] Supply-Side Liberalism Explained
[00:30:00] What Excites Miles in 2025
[00:30:30] Where to Find Miles
Miles' Stuff:
Purpose Built: https://www.purposebuilt.vc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mileslasater/
My Stuff:
Podcast: https://www.madeitpod.com/
Website: https://www.connortomkies.com/
X: https://twitter.com/ConnorTomkies
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connortomkies/
Creators and Guests
What is Made It with Connor Tomkies?
"Made It" is a podcast hosted by Connor Tomkies that delves into the journeys of successful entrepreneurs who have not only built and exited their companies, but who are writing the next chapter of their journeys. The show focuses on the unique challenges and lessons learned while moving beyond the exit, offering insights and strategies for listeners aiming to grow their own businesses. Through engaging conversations with various guests, the podcast provides a blend of motivational stories, practical advice, and insider tips on entrepreneurship, business growth, and personal development.