Sheree Rubinstein on Bootstrapping, Pivoting, and Building One Roof

Episode Summary:In this episode of Unfunded, host Joan Westenberg delves into a conversation with Sheree Rubinstein, the founder of One Roof. Sheree shares her journey from corporate law to founding a co-working space dedicated to women-led businesses and the subsequent pivot to a digital business membership platform post-Covid. The episode explores the challenges, successes, and insights gained from bootstrapping, fundraising, and making difficult decisions as a founder.Sheree's experience exemplifies the importance of adaptability, community building, and resilience in navigating the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Listeners are treated to a candid discussion on the trials and triumphs of building a business from the ground up, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways:Sheree's innovative approach to testing the concept of a co-working space through pop-up locations and the pivot to a digital membership platform post-Covid demonstrates the power of adaptability in entrepreneurship.Building strong community relationships and fostering collaborations have been instrumental in the growth and success of One Roof, highlighting the significance of networking and community engagement in business development.The decision to return capital to investors during challenging times showcases Sheree's commitment to the long-term sustainability and growth of the business, emphasizing the value of honest and transparent leadership.Embracing a sales mentality and being actively involved in sales efforts as a founder is essential for building relationships, exploring new opportunities, and driving revenue growth.Sheree's focus on creating an "elephant business" centred on sustainable, steady growth, and profitability over a "unicorn" startup model underscores the importance of building a resilient and long-lasting business foundation.Notable Quotes:"Entrepreneurship is an incredible pathway for women to create their own workplaces, build businesses on their terms, and address diverse needs." - Sheree Rubinstein"Building an elephant business works well for me. It's about sustainable growth and profitability, not just being the best in the industry." - Sheree Rubinstein"Every business decision I've made comes from seeking advice and feedback from those around me. Building relationships is crucial." - Sheree RubinsteinResources:One Roof Website: OneroofKate Kendall's Profile: LinkedIn - Kate KendallDay One:Unfunded is a Day One show. Day One is the podcast network dedicated to founders, investors, and operators.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrpSpotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/