The start of Dan Martell’s entrepreneurial path bears all the hallmarks of a Hollywood film – driving a stolen car, chased by police, with a gun beside him. The latest guest on The Struggle, the Canadian 5-time founder has quite the story of trials and tribulations on the way to success.

Beyond being a dad, a husband and a Canadian, Dan would tell you that his defining characteristics are of someone who is driven, someone who constantly asks what is possible and what he needs to do to fulfil his dreams and goals. We know where, when, and how his entrepreneurial story begins but what has followed since is as interesting, tough, and educational.

A lot of it was, in his words, soul crushing. It took him nearly 10 years and 2 failed companies to get a better idea of how to do business right. That coupled with coming across the book “Love is the killer app” gave him the knowledge to be successful.

15 years and three more companies later, Dan has managed to achieve successful exits, all the while learning a huge number of lessons when it comes to running SaaS companies. This total of 25 years from that night when he was 17 and the honesty with which he is able to speak about them, makes him a true treasure trove and we are grateful for the time he gave us in this extended conversation.

Hope you enjoy the interview and pick up some of the many lessons about building companies the right way.

If you can be as honest and open as Dan or any of the other guests we have hosted on The Struggle, get in touch and send us your story to podcast@saastock.com.