Reflections building in the Built World with Sara Pearce-Probst

In the 18th episode of "Groundbreakers," Sara Pearce-Probst joins us to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from co-founding SiteTrace to her current role as a Product Manager at Kojo. Sara's story is a testament to the power of embracing ambiguity and the unknown in the startup world.Sara co-founded SiteTrace with three friends from Stanford, where they initially aimed to create a task management solution for general contractors. Through multiple pivots, they eventually focused on materials management for the sheet metal industry, a niche chosen for its complexity and significant pain points around procurement and scheduling. Sara emphasizes the importance of shadowing customers on-site to gain deep insights and the value of building for a niche while remaining open to expansion.In this episode, Sara shares key learnings and advice:Customer Discovery: Shadowing customers to understand their workflows and pain points.Building for a Niche: The benefits and challenges of focusing on a specific industry segment.Speed and Spending: The need for startups to move quickly, embrace early product imperfections, and invest wisely in critical areas.After SiteTrace was acquired, Sara transitioned to Kojo, where she now works as a Product Manager. At Kojo, she focuses on improving user engagement and appreciates the balance of autonomy and structure that allows her to leverage her startup experience within an established product framework.Sara also reflects on the construction tech industry's potential for impact and the exciting trends shaping its future. While she remains open to future entrepreneurial ventures, her experiences have set a higher bar for re-entering the startup world.Tune in to this episode to hear Sara's valuable insights and advice for navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, fostering creative thinking, and enjoying the journey. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established founder, Sara's story will inspire and guide you on your path.