14 hard-earned founder lessons (that still hold up in 2025)

14 years ago, I maxed out every credit card I had.
Cold-emailed every small business in New Orleans.
Promised to build websites I didn’t yet know how to make.

Since then, I’ve built and exited companies, worked with thousands of founders and brands, and helped scale some of the most recognizable names in the world.

No bosses. No shortcuts. Just problems, puzzles, and momentum.

This week marks 14 years of running my own businesses, without a break.

So I wrote down the 14 biggest lessons I’d tattoo on my brain if I had to start over.

It’s what actually works in 2025. For entrepreneurs, operators, and people building the hard way.

Let’s get into it.