CH 1 - 7 | Series: Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Reflections | Author: Brent Parker, Resilience Repurposed LLC

Written by Brent Parker | May 25, 2025 3:50:23 PM

Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Reflections: Section A — Chapters 1–7

Author: Brent Parker, Resilience Repurposed LLC

Welcome to the Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Reflections Series

Every week, I’m breaking down one of the most practical startup books written in the last decade — Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. by Colin C. Campbell. This isn’t just another business book. It’s a battle-tested roadmap developed by someone who has launched over 50 startups and raised millions.

Whether you’re dreaming about starting something or deep in the trenches already, this series is for you. In this first series installment, we’ll walk through Chapters 1 through 7 — the START phase. These foundational chapters lay out how to identify a good idea, take bold first steps, align your passion with purpose, evaluate scalability and defensibility, and install a system for checking your progress.

Chapter 1: Ideas Are Everywhere

  • Start with “Why” — Innovation begins with noticing flaws and asking better questions.
  • Your Experience = Opportunity — Your skills can unlock value for others.
  • Solve Problems — Focus on utility, not hype.
  • Love What You Build — Passion is practical.
  • Use Your Job — Everyday frustrations are idea goldmines.

Takeaway: Train your mind to see — not just dream.

 

 

 

Chapter 2: From Idea to Action

  • Ideas Alone Are Worthless — Execution pays.
  • Share Your Idea — Get feedback early.
  • Use Accelerators — Find your startup tribe.
  • Visualize It — Know what you’re building.
  • Name It with Meaning — Identity matters.
  • Don’t Rush Investors — Validate first.

Takeaway: Stop dreaming. Start doing.

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Catching the Next Wave

  • Understand the Tech Adoption Curve
  • Be a Fast Follower
  • Deliver When the Market Is Ready
  • Focus on Depth Before Breadth

Takeaway: Surf the wave. Don’t fight the ocean.

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Love the Problem, Not Just the Business

  • Fall in Love with the Problem — Problems persist; products evolve.
  • Avoid Serial Quitting — Grit matters.
  • Let Passion Drive Grit
  • Build Aligned with Your Values

Takeaway: Build what you’d fight for.

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Pick an Idea That Can Scale

Scalability Ratings:

  • 1 – Brick-and-Mortar
  • 2 – Services
  • 3 – Product
  • 4 – SaaS/Subscription
  • 5 – Digital Platforms

Takeaway: Your business model is your cage — or your wings.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Build a Moat

Types of Moats:

  • Legal protections
  • Exclusivity agreements
  • Brand loyalty
  • Proprietary tech or data
  • SEO dominance

Takeaway: Protect your edge — or someone else will.

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Stage Gates

SMART Stage Gate Criteria:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Time-Bound

Takeaway: Build progress checkpoints before you build regret.

 

 

 

 

Final Thoughts on Section A: START

You don’t need millions, a giant team, or an MBA to start. You need eyes that see, a heart that cares, a mind that acts, and a system that checks your course.

Coming next: Section B — SCALE. We’ll dive into growth tactics, team dynamics, and media outreach.

🔁 Subscribe at blog.resiliencerepurposed.com or connect on LinkedIn @Brent Parker

References :

  • Campbell, C. C. (2023). Start. Scale. Exit. Repeat. Wiley.
  • Moore, G. A. (2014). Crossing the Chasm (3rd ed.). HarperBusiness.

 
View full post