3 Blue Collar Side Hustle Ideas From A $40M Founder
About This Episode
Serial entrepreneur Sam Rattner joins the pod to discuss his journey of selling a sports betting startup for $40 million at age 23 and his current venture, Showroom. The conversation focuses on finding high-margin opportunities in unglamorous 'blue collar' sectors, including riverboat casinos, vending machine routes in rural Idaho, and water taxi services.
Episode Description
Show Notes
Check Out Sam's Stuff
Key Takeaways
Prioritize vertical search opportunities over general search because high-intent platforms (like cars.com) capture buyers far more effectively than broad platforms like Google Shopping.
Investigate 'duck call' businesses—niche, complex ecosystems that are often overlooked by tech founders but possess extremely loyal and high-paying customer bases.
Perform aggressive physical due diligence, such as flying to remote locations or interviewing long-term employees, to uncover operational inefficiencies that can be solved with modern technology.
Business Ideas Mentioned
The Blue Collar Thiel Fellowship
Acquisitions
National Water Taxi Transportation Network
Marketplace
Hybrid College Venue Management
Real Estate