In this episode, Johan chats with Anebi Agbo, founder and investor at Icon Labs and Chief Joy Officer at Shipman Cleaning Company. Anebi shares what it’s really like to go from running a tech agency to buying and growing a local service business. He talks about the loneliness of being a founder, the value of having a support network, and how tech skills can help you level up in “boring” businesses.

The conversation covers what it’s like to buy a business, how to find joy in work, using AI for operations, and why optimism needs practical limits. Anebi also gives straightforward advice for new founders and talks about what’s changed and what hasn’t since making the switch from agency work to Main Street businesses.

Takeaways:

- The founder journey can be lonely. Support networks matter.
- Tech and agency skills transfer to service businesses, but expectations need to shift.
- Operational fixes like better CRM and websites can help local businesses grow.
- AI can save time on repetitive tasks, but it is not a magic solution.
- Pragmatic optimism helps founders balance hope with reality.
- Set clear metrics and know when it is time to change direction.
- Finding joy is important for both customers and teams.

Connect with Anebi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anebiagbo/
Website: https://shipmancleaningco.com/

Discover more founder journeys and insights:
Watch the full playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgnqbQTWjtNybpmpungnpY-e2XRs_x5g4&feature=shared

Want to level up your brand or website?
Book a call with Johan and the team at Tension Studio: https://www.tension.studio/