According to James Jackson, the Founder and CEO of Spotz, the simple act of showing up every day can be 95% of the battle in entrepreneurship. James offers expert advice to entrepreneurs: emphasizing the importance of going all-in from the start and the reality of entrepreneurship - it's significantly harder than it seems.

Learn more about James’ business and uncover more entrepreneurial gold with us below!

What are three things every entrepreneur should know?

“If you’re gonna do it, go all in,” is the first piece of advice James shared with other entrepreneurs. A half-baked entrepreneurship pie will not be greatly enjoyed by either you or your customers and clients.

“It’s going to be a hundred times harder than you think it’ll be, so be prepared.” If you’re of the mindset that entrepreneurship offers more freedom of movement, time, expression, and creativity, you would be right but there’s a catch. That freedom comes at the expense of long hours and hard work. It will take some time to get to the gold at the end of the rainbow.

“Don’t quit.” It sounds simple but 95% of the battle, according to James, is simply showing up every day and you’ll get where you’re going. If you don’t quit and you stay the course, you’ll get to some cool places that most people never see.

What problem does your business solve and who are its customers?

James’ business, Spotz, is a newly established online marketplace that focuses on simplifying the process of renting various types of spaces, similar to Airbnb but for non-overnight accommodations. They aim to overcome three major challenges in the space rental industry: a lack of awareness about available spaces, a lack of accessibility to these spaces through a centralized platform, and concerns related to host control and safety.

Spotz offers a solution that makes it easy for renters to find and book spaces, while also providing hosts with tools to efficiently manage their listings. The company's long-term vision is to create a comprehensive community-oriented space-as-a-service marketplace, encompassing a wide range of spaces, from large parks to unique venues like coffee shop backrooms and personal backyards.

Spotz places a strong emphasis on community building and safety, carefully launching in specific communities to create a thriving ecosystem for space rentals. The platform also offers customized features, such as discounts and work orders, to assist hosts in providing a seamless experience for renters.

Spotz' customers include event hosts and organizers, ranging from large-scale events like political conventions to smaller, lesser-known gatherings such as private parties and community events. James’ platform caters to a wide spectrum of users seeking various types of spaces for their specific needs.

What inspired you to become an Entrepreneur?

James' inspiration to become an entrepreneur stems from his intrinsic drive and the satisfaction he derives from turning ideas into successful ventures. He recalls finding joy in taking on the role of a problem solver and creating value for others. This inclination towards entrepreneurship has been a constant throughout his life, whether he was turning companies around or working to achieve success and then share the rewards with others.

James' early experiences, such as building houses and finding innovative ways to make ends meet during challenging times, instilled in him a deep sense of pride and the desire to create and innovate. These formative experiences likely fueled his entrepreneurial spirit.

Knowing what you know now, how would you have spent a million dollars when you first started your business?

Looking back, James would have started his entrepreneurial endeavors much earlier, even back in high school or during his college years. This early start would have allowed him to avoid working for someone else sooner and to fully leverage his network for support and growth.

Secondly, he would have abandoned the initial idea of building out the Software as a Service (SaaS) part of the company to fund his larger marketplace model. Instead, he would have opted to focus on the marketplace concept right from the start.

This decision would have enabled him to avoid unnecessary floundering and hasten the pursuit of his true passion and bigger picture, as he recognized that the SaaS model wasn't aligned with his ultimate vision.

What is your proudest accomplishment as an Entrepreneur?

James’ biggest accomplishment lies in being a dad rather than an entrepreneur. He’s most proud of raising his son. Being a single dad and managing his entrepreneurial ventures while raising a child is a source of immense pride for him.

He also takes pride in his coaching experiences which he views as a quintessential aspect of being a pure entrepreneur that has given him valuable insights and access to talented individuals.

What big goals are you looking to achieve?

In the short term, James aims to prove the robust financial model of the business in multiple communities and then scale it across the country. By the end of 2025, his goal is to have Spotz established in at least 25 major communities. This level of recognition and presence would signify a significant milestone for the company and enable them to expand rapidly.

Looking five years into the future, James envisions Spotz becoming a household name, much like Airbnb but for space rentals. He desires that people not only across the United States but potentially internationally know and recognize Spotz as the go-to platform for finding and booking diverse spaces across the globe.

Beyond the business, James' personal goals include being more aware and authentic in his career, which he acknowledges is an ongoing journey. He finds great fulfillment in what he does, as Spotz's operations have a positive impact on building community and creating memories. He takes pride in the fact that their business model doesn't harm anyone, and it facilitates positive experiences and connections, all while being a profitable venture.

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