Welcome to In Pursuit of Scalability blog!

I have and continue to accumulate many lessons learned while building SaaS, technology, entertainment, and professional services companies. And since knowledge not shared is wasted, this blog is the medium for me to share the best practices, learnings, and advice.
Sincerely,
Apolinaras “Apollo” Sinkevicius

Better Solution to Outdated One-Time Employee Referral Bonuses

One-time employee referral bonuses need to go the way of the dodo. They are an antiquated reward system that motivates the wrong things. Before I suggest a solution, let me tell you why one-time referral bonuses are a waste of money: One-time large rewards do not...

Stars vs. Constellations – steps to building solid high-performing teams

When it comes to startups and fast-growing scalable businesses, sustainable growth companies are built by teams of shining constellations rather than just several bright stars. A team of people that can feed off each other and grow together will beat any company...

What To Look For In a Business Partner

Sometimes it is worth examining your “scars” to figure out what you could have done to avoid getting hurt in the first place.  I have been part of two ventures that failed and several that have been great successes, and both types of experiences have made me a better...

How To Build Your Startup Core Team

I had a really fun conversation with a founder of a great company with fantastic potential today and we covered many topics, one of which prompted me to write this article. Securing money and investors are not always the biggest issue keeping startup founders awake at...

Operations Leadership

North Star and Hero KPIs of SaaS

North Star and Hero KPIs of SaaS

While ARR is our "north star" KPI, it is an imperfect measure of progress, success, or company value. ARR does not tell the full story because it only shows quantity and not the quality of the revenue. As an operator, I rely on what I call "hero KPIs" to guide the...

The Future of Knowledge Work and the Post-Pandemic Workplace

The Future of Knowledge Work and the Post-Pandemic Workplace

It has been a year since the Black Swan event of the COVID-19 pandemic started shaking industries to the core. None of us have a crystal ball and can predict the future, but we must develop our thesis and get in action.  Don't let a good crisis go to waste....

Lessons Learned

Leadership Lessons I Learned at My Father’s Funeral

Leadership Lessons I Learned at My Father’s Funeral

While it has been two decades since I lost my father, I still think a lot about the lessons he taught me. He was an incredible role model and shaped my views on being a father, husband, leader, businessman, and decent human. Two days of my life are deeply seared into...

7 Rules for How to Sell to “Darth Vader”

7 Rules for How to Sell to “Darth Vader”

Before an incredible mentor helped me discover my love for the craft of operations, I started my sales career as a talent agent in the entertainment industry. Some of us have it, and some of us do not. Hence I discovered I was much more effective at figuring out how...

Parenting and Startups – Struggles, Biases, Lessons Learned

Parenting and Startups – Struggles, Biases, Lessons Learned

After eight years of parenthood, as I am updating this post, I can say nothing can truly prepare you for being a new parent and entrepreneur. Just the new role of a parent is hard enough, yet many of us are also building companies and careers simultaneously. The...

Talent Management

The Future of Knowledge Work and the Post-Pandemic Workplace

The Future of Knowledge Work and the Post-Pandemic Workplace

It has been a year since the Black Swan event of the COVID-19 pandemic started shaking industries to the core. None of us have a crystal ball and can predict the future, but we must develop our thesis and get in action.  Don't let a good crisis go to waste....

Startup Finance & Legal

North Star and Hero KPIs of SaaS

North Star and Hero KPIs of SaaS

While ARR is our "north star" KPI, it is an imperfect measure of progress, success, or company value. ARR does not tell the full story because it only shows quantity and not the quality of the revenue. As an operator, I rely on what I call "hero KPIs" to guide the...

Scalable SaaS Best Practices: The Legal Agreements Discipline

Scalable SaaS Best Practices: The Legal Agreements Discipline

SaaS is a beautiful business model. Over the last fifteen years, I got to build four companies in the B2B SaaS space. I love the efficiency of the model! Frankly, building companies would be so much more expensive without the cost efficiencies SaaS products bring. ...

Reflections on Raising Money and Fetishes of Those Watching

Reflections on Raising Money and Fetishes of Those Watching

For those of us in startups, opening up Twitter means seeing at least 1 or 2 funding announcements every couple of hours. And the congratulations and retweets roll in, if you are any good, journalists and bloggers need a piece of you too. But the fanfare and...

Coaching 1st-time founders and augmenting seasoned entrepreneurs