In this episode of “Find the Next Gear,” Beau introduces Andrew Bagrin, a successful entrepreneur known for his work in founder-led companies. The conversation dives into Andrew’s journey from ideation to acquisition, highlighting his experiences and insights.

Andrew’s entrepreneurial journey began with his first company, My Digital Shield, founded in 2013. This company was eventually acquired by Snap One, which led him to move to Charlotte. Afterward, he started Omninet, which was acquired by Citracom in 2021. Although Andrew remained with Citracom for about a year post-acquisition, he is still an equity holder.

Currently, Andrew is working on a new platform that is in stealth mode. He is also engaged in M&A consulting and assists friends with their startups. His path to entrepreneurship was fueled by his early entrepreneurial spirit, which saw him selling items to classmates. Frustrated with corporate America’s reluctance to build new concepts, he decided to take matters into his own hands. With the help of friends, Andrew founded Omninet and raised over $4 million for the company.

Andrew shares the challenges he faced, such as working without a salary, educating the market, and proving the company’s longevity. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuously finding ways to push forward despite setbacks. Andrew recounts personal stories of nearly giving up but ultimately deciding to persevere and succeed.

The episode also covers the critical aspect of product-market fit. Andrew explains that it took significant effort to educate the market and gain customer trust. He stresses the importance of scaling properly and celebrating financial milestones as validation of the company’s progress.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Andrew offers valuable advice. He highlights the necessity of perseverance and the benefits of having a supportive team rather than being a lone founder. He shares lessons on handling fundraising and maintaining a clear business vision.

Andrew expresses his favorite aspects of entrepreneurship, including the freedom and control it provides. He enjoys creating a positive company culture and working with a team of like-minded individuals. However, he also discusses the challenges, such as sleepless nights and the constant pressure of uncertainty. He finds that resilience and the excitement of overcoming obstacles are essential traits for success.

Reflecting on his journey, Andrew is proud of building something from scratch and achieving acquisition. He admits that his biggest failure was not removing problematic employees quickly enough, which could negatively impact company culture.

As the episode concludes, Andrew mentions that he is currently in stealth mode with his new venture but can be found on social media. Beau thanks Andrew for sharing his insights and experiences, offering listeners valuable lessons from a seasoned entrepreneur.

Andrew’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance, building a strong team, and the rewards of bringing an idea to fruition. His insights provide valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to succeed in entrepreneurship.