Real Talk on Risk, Resilience, and Revenue - David Davis

In this episode of What's Your Deal?, Matt Uhler sits down with David Davis—an academic-turned-entrepreneur who transitioned from a PhD and professorship in hospitality to launching not one, but three service-based businesses. David shares his real-world startup journey, including the shift away from higher ed, the grit it took to build Fuse Topline Solutions, Boundless Hospitality, and a commercial laundry operation, and the financial realities of building a business from scratch. This conversation is packed with wisdom on balancing family and business, managing investor relationships, and knowing when to pivot. 

 

 

Timestamps: 

 

00:01 – Introduction to David Davis and his extensive academic background

 

01:13 – David's early struggle with college and how it led him into hospitality

 

03:47 – Why academia lost its appeal and why he transitioned out

 

06:26 – The organic beginning of his first business

 

11:17 – How he manages his business today and its current success

 

12:13 – The second startup and the impact of economic shifts

 

14:46 – Why he pivoted into commercial laundry—and what makes the model viable

 

16:46 – Lessons learned from launching multiple startups

 

21:39 – What a realistic startup phase looks like

 

23:34 – The importance of involving your spouse and lessons from personal relationships

 

26:48 – Creating a family business dynamic and including his wife in key decisions

 

30:27 – His 12-month goals: profitability, expansion to Tulsa, and a scalable vision

 

33:20 – Why he's not chasing ambition but rather building resilience into his businesses

 

35:48 – His relationship with his investor and what a "strategic investor" really means

 

38:52 – Why banks weren't the answer and what he learned about funding

 

39:45 – Balancing time, family, and leadership—why intentionality matters

 

42:03 – Defining purpose and building accountability into your work

 

43:17 – Who helped him get here: from his parents to professors, bosses, and peers

 

47:20 – Final thoughts and appreciation for the power of team support

 

Resources & Links

 

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