Why you should build a sweaty startup instead of an indie SaaS - Flo Schirmer episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 2, 2025 · 16 MIN

Why you should build a sweaty startup instead of an indie SaaS - Flo Schirmer

from Indie Bites · host James McKinven

Today I’m talking with Flo Schirmer about "sweaty startups", a term for old-fashioned, low-risk businesses that are often service based and unsexy. I’m talking window cleaning, car washing, self-storage, house moving and more. We’re going to discuss if you can do this as a side hustle, if you should do this over a regular software business, and what you need to do to get started with some ideas along the way.Timestamps00:00 Intro01:38 What is a sweaty startup?03:18 From window cleaning to home security04:37 How to start a sweaty startup06:41 Growth for a sweaty startup07:26 Sweaty startup vs software - what is best for indie hackers?08:45 Injecting a tech edge into old fashioned businesses11:34 Examples of successful sweaty startup brands13:58 Two free sweaty startup ideas15:57 RecommendationsRecommendationsBook - $100m LeadsPodcast - My First MillionIndie Hacker - Alex HormoziMy linksTwitterIndie Bites TwitterIndie Bites YouTubeJoin the membershipPersonal Website2 Hour Podcast CourseSponsor - EmailOctopus 🐙EmailOctopus is an independently owned email marketing platform, built to support other small growing businesses. With a focus on affordability and ease of use, EmailOctopus contains all of the features you need to reach and grow your audience. You can start today, with their industry leading free plan where you can contact up to 2,500 subscribers without paying a penny.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 2, 2025

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Why you should build a sweaty startup instead of an indie SaaS - Flo Schirmer

0:00 16:40

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Indie Bites?

This episode is 16 minutes long.

When was this Indie Bites episode published?

This episode was published on June 2, 2025.

Can I download this Indie Bites episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!