The Man Behind Roku’s Idea House
The Man Behind Roku’s Idea House
How can business owners stay resilient during tough times?
When things get really difficult, I remind myself, "This too shall pass." It gives me hope that it won't always be this bad. Tomorrow is another day, another chance. That's where my focus goes immediately. Some days you lose, but the next day, you get another shot.
It's about having poise—understanding that you're in a difficult season, week, or project, and knowing that it will pass. As David Goggins says, "You're not gonna die, bro. It's not gonna kill you." So just stay tough.
I also think about the team around me. I have some incredibly dedicated people—my brother, my wife, and other team members who’ve been with me for over a decade. That family aspect motivates me. When things get tough, I remind myself that I enjoy working with these people, and that’s what keeps me going.
What characteristics are essential for the entrepreneurial journey?
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. I think entrepreneurs need to learn how to see beyond themselves and their limitations. The underlying question is: how do you know when you need to look beyond yourself? That’s the journey—it’s a process of self-awareness and growth. It’s not an easy answer, but that’s the truth. The journey itself teaches you when and how to expand your perspective.
What are the benefits and challenges of partnering with a mentor?
After the first year, I asked the guy I worked with, who was my mentor before I bought the company, if he wanted to be my partner. That turned out to be a great decision. We went 50/50, and it was a huge learning experience for me. He taught me a lot about the craft, and having his help allowed me to focus on learning the business side—how to estimate, handle sales, and do things I hadn't done before.
Of course, there were consequences. We underbid some projects, especially in terms of time, and made decisions that affected the bottom line. We lost money on a few projects, but I still see it as a good decision because that was my education. As entrepreneurs, we pay for our education in different ways, and learning from those mistakes was invaluable.
Why should business owners always use contracts for protection and clarity?
On my first new build, I didn’t sign a contract. That job ended in a lawsuit because the client wasn’t happy, and I didn’t have a leg to stand on. I didn’t cross my t’s or dot my i’s. I was so focused on the opportunity—it felt like a dream come true. I’d been doing additions and renovations, and I wanted to get into new construction, so I just jumped in without a proper agreement. I let the client lead the process, which was a big mistake. The lesson? Never take on a job without a contract, even if it’s with friends.
I was recently talking with one of my real estate partners about this very topic. You want to trust people and believe the best in them. But having an agreement in writing removes the pressure and avoids misunderstandings. It’s not about mistrust; it’s about clarity. A contract ensures both parties know what’s expected, and it keeps things on track, even if you trust the other person. I grew up with the principle of looking someone in the eye and trusting their word, but the reality is that not everyone operates that way. A contract holds everyone accountable.
*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.*
