Flexible Compute and Energy Innovation: The Future of Bitcoin Mining

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

• [1:52] Dan Lawrence shares how he co-founded OBM, Inc. and developed a Bitcoin mine
• [4:46] Why Dan left a stable career at the Department of Defense to become a full-time entrepreneur
• [10:02] How OBM evolved from a basic operational tool to a robust enterprise SaaS platform for Bitcoin mining
• [14:22] The challenges in pivoting OBM and expanding the total addressable market
• [18:34] Dan’s proudest moments, including building a strong team culture and landing major enterprise clients
• [24:05] How intentional daily routines and personal boundaries have improved Dan’s leadership and mental health
• [29:33] OBM’s remote work structure
• [33:17] Advice for first-time entrepreneurs on time management, identity, and avoiding burnout

In this episode…

Starting a company in a niche industry often entails navigating volatile markets, technical complexity, and a limited customer base. For first-time entrepreneurs, the transition from stable employment to building a fast-growing startup can be overwhelming. How can you scale a product from a personal side project into a coveted platform while maintaining your personal balance?

Computer scientist and fledgling entrepreneur Dan Lawrence launched his software company by starting small, staying user-focused, and remaining flexible as his market evolved. He emphasizes the importance of listening to the market, pivoting early, and recognizing broader applications of your technology. Dan also recommends managing burnout by establishing morning routines, disconnecting after hours, and setting clear personal boundaries.

Tune in to this episode of Growth + Exit as Susan Kearney sits down with Dan Lawrence, Co-founder and CEO of OBM, Inc., to discuss how he scaled his niche startup into an enterprise SaaS platform. Dan talks about navigating technical pivots, growing a strong team culture, and reshaping personal habits.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Susan Kearney on LinkedIn
• Heather Bennett on LinkedIn
• Newport LLC
• Dan Lawrence on LinkedIn
• OBM, Inc.

Quotable Moments:

• “We built a product to solve a small need that hit the market at the perfect time.”
• “I still feel like a scrappy software engineer that just never gets to write code anymore.”
• “If something’s not solid enough that you can walk away for 10 or 12 hours, it’s probably not for you.”
• “Every effort that we’ve done has been to expand our total addressable markets beyond Bitcoin mining.”
• “Don’t be afraid to ask for a coach. We could all learn something from someone else.”

Action Steps:

• Build software to solve your own problems first: Creating tools for internal use ensures a clear understanding of user needs and minimizes wasted development. This often leads to highly relevant solutions that resonate with a broader market.
• Be intentional about your daily routines: Structuring your mornings without immediate work distractions helps preserve mental clarity and long-term productivity. It sets the tone for more focused, effective leadership throughout the day.
• Expand your product’s addressable market: Limiting your platform to a niche audience caps growth potential. Adapting it to adjacent industries allows for scale and sustainability over time.
• Be transparent about founder challenges: Sharing your struggles as an entrepreneur helps normalize the emotional and time demands of startup life. It also builds authentic relationships with your team and community.
• Invest in face-to-face collaboration when possible: In-person interactions foster creativity, spontaneous problem-solving, and deeper team alignment. Even a part-time office presence can significantly strengthen company culture.

Sponsor for this episode

This episode is brought to you by Newport LLC, a national business advisory firm.

Newport is a team of over 50 seasoned C-suite executives who have founded, built, bought, and sold businesses. We help CEOs of privately held companies achieve exceptional value quickly and with less risk.

We use our proprietary Value Acceleration Program — a set of research-based tools and methodologies — to help growth-stage businesses build and sustain value.

To work with us, visit https://newportllc.com/.