In a recent episode of the Circle Back podcast, Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, interviewed Jason Moore, founder of Stratasan. This conversation revealed the ups and downs of Moore’s entrepreneurial journey, providing valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Starting Small, Dreaming Big
Jason Moore’s entrepreneurial roots trace back to his rural Kentucky upbringing, where the concept of entrepreneurship was unfamiliar. Despite this, he always aspired to own a business, initially envisioning a small local enterprise. His first major step into entrepreneurship began in 1999 with the founding of Big Web Apps, a SaaS company, alongside college friends. This venture, however, was fraught with financial struggles, including a period of living in a friend’s basement and waiting tables to make ends meet.
The Turning Point: Nashville and Stratasan
Moore moved to Nashville in 2004, driven by a promise to his wife to be closer to her family after their first child was born. In Nashville, Moore found a supportive entrepreneurial community that would eventually lead to the creation of Stratasan. His involvement in local startup events, such as the first Nashville Startup Weekend, and his participation in a peer mentorship group, were crucial in shaping his journey.
Stratasan: From Idea to Reality
In 2010, Moore joined the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, where he pitched the concept for Stratasan, a healthcare data analytics company. Despite delivering what he described as the “worst pitch ever,” Moore’s idea had potential, and he secured seed funding. Stratasan quickly gained traction, signing its first significant client, LifePoint Health, and eventually growing to a nine-figure exit.
Lessons in Perseverance and Adaptability
Moore’s story underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in entrepreneurship. He faced numerous challenges, from financial instability to the complexities of navigating the healthcare industry without prior experience. However, his willingness to ask for help, seek mentorship, and learn from failures enabled him to build a successful company.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Know Thyself: Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Be honest about whether you are the right person to lead your company through different growth stages.
- Believe in Yourself: Trust in your abilities and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Often, the questions you think are dumb are the ones that lead to the most significant insights.
- Seek Mentorship: Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can provide guidance, support, and accountability.
- Be Adaptable: Entrepreneurship is a dynamic journey. Be prepared to pivot and adapt to new circumstances and opportunities.
Jason Moore’s journey from a struggling startup founder to the successful exit of Stratasan is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and continuous learning. His story serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs to stay resilient, seek support, and always be willing to adapt.
