Interview by Lewis May
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Tim, the founder of Trova, to discuss his company’s remarkable achievement of being named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies in America. In this interview, we explored the challenges, milestones, and strategies that led to this significant accomplishment. The conversation was insightful and filled with lessons for any entrepreneur looking to scale their business successfully.
Interview:
Lewis: Hey, Tim, congratulations on making the Inc. 5000 list. What does this achievement mean to you and your team?
Tim: It feels great to be acknowledged. Honestly, it was a day-one goal for us. We wrote it on the board the day we opened our doors. In our prior life, that was a benchmark. So going out on our own to build our firm, this recognition represents our first significant accomplishment, validating the hard work we’ve put into starting and growing the company.
Lewis: That’s fantastic. Can you walk us through the journey that led to this rapid growth? What were some key milestones?
Tim: We faced a major challenge right out of the gate, opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We officially opened our doors on August 1st, 2020, here in Florida. Despite the timing, we were fortunate that Florida was open for business, and we quickly realized the need for our services. Early clients expressed how difficult hiring had become during the pandemic and how relieved they were to have us back in their corner. One client even hired four candidates from our initial batch, which effectively covered our startup costs. Those early wins were crucial in propelling us forward.
Lewis: It sounds like you overcame a lot. How did you balance the demands of scaling quickly while maintaining company culture and client satisfaction?
Tim: I believe there are two stages in business: the initial hard push to get things going, and then the even harder push once momentum builds. We were fortunate to get into the zone quickly. Experience spoke for itself, and clients appreciated working with a team they trusted. Leading by example was key—we weren’t asking anyone to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves. That kind of hands-on leadership helped us maintain a strong culture even as we grew rapidly.
Lewis: What role did innovation play in your growth strategy? Can you give some examples?
Tim: Innovation for us wasn’t about creating something entirely new but rather leveraging our well-cultivated networks. My business partner and I have been headhunters for two decades, so when clients needed people, we reached out to our extensive network. This allowed us to deliver top-quality candidates who aligned with our clients’ needs, without relying on traditional methods like job postings. This approach gave us an edge in a competitive market.
Lewis: As one of the leaders, how did you keep your team motivated and aligned with your vision during this period of growth?
Tim: We stayed in the zone. There’s a certain passion that comes with doing what you love, especially when things are going well. We led by example, working long hours and doing whatever it took to ensure our clients’ success. This hands-on approach kept our team motivated and aligned with our vision.
Lewis: What were some of the most important decisions you made that contributed to your company’s success?
Tim: One of the biggest was the all-hands-on-deck approach we adopted early on. We didn’t initially know where each team member would flourish, so we worked together closely, and then naturally delegated tasks based on where each person was best suited. This collaborative approach helped us navigate the challenges of scaling.
Lewis: Did you have any moments of doubt during this journey, and how did you navigate through those times?
Tim: The biggest doubt was in the beginning. We were set to open during a pandemic, and it felt daunting. But I reminded my business partner that we had weathered downturns before, like in 2008-2009, and had come out stronger. We knew how to lead companies to success during tough times, and we believed that talent would be more critical than ever. That belief helped us push through the uncertainty.
Lewis: How do you define success, and has this definition evolved as you’ve grown?
Tim: Success for us is about helping our clients capitalize on growth opportunities by providing them with the talent they need. It’s about retention and execution. Over time, some of our early clients have become our largest accounts, which is a testament to the long-term impact of our work. Seeing our clients flourish because of the people we’ve helped place is the ultimate success.
Lewis: What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who aspire to make the Inc. 5000 list?
Tim: Don’t underestimate the importance of having the right partners. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on execution. Too many people talk about doing the work but don’t follow through. Keep your head down, stay focused, and make sure you’re getting things done.
Lewis: What impact has this growth had on your industry or community?
Tim: The most significant impact has been helping our clients become more efficient, especially on the technical side. By placing key consultants in both large and small companies, we’ve saved our clients a lot of money and helped them execute their business strategies more effectively. It’s exciting to see the immediate, almost overnight success that comes from this kind of work.
Lewis: How has being on the Inc. 5000 list affected your business relationships or opened new opportunities?
Tim: It’s funny, but the recognition has definitely increased our visibility. People are more aware of Trova now, and it provides instant validation. Being on the list is a result that we can point to, showing that our hard work and our clients’ success have been recognized. It’s also opened up new opportunities by validating our business model in a way that goes beyond just our backgrounds.
Lewis: What’s next for your company? Where do you see the most significant opportunities for future growth?
Tim: We’re at a point where we need to scale. As owner-operators, we’ve been very hands-on, but now we’re looking to bring in the right marketing and sales partners to help us grow. We know that when we get in front of potential clients, our value proposition speaks for itself. So the next step is getting more attention and continuing to grow our presence.
Lewis: How do you plan to maintain this momentum?
Tim: We’ll continue being active in the community, helping businesses with their hiring needs, and sharing our expertise. We also focus on giving back, both through philanthropy and by providing valuable insights to help others hire better. It’s all about staying engaged and being a trusted partner for our clients.
Lewis: What legacy do you hope your company will leave in the industry, and does this recognition play into that vision?
Tim: The biggest compliment for us is when our clients refer us to others. Our legacy will be measured by the success of the businesses we’ve helped, particularly small to medium-sized companies that have flourished because they had the right talent in place. Seeing our clients succeed and knowing we played a part in that is the legacy we want to leave.
Lewis: Moving on to a little more personal reflection, what lessons have you learned from this experience of growth?
Tim: One thing I’ve learned is that I’ve always wanted to be a business owner. It’s a validation for me, especially since I’ve never really done well with authority. Being able to try new things, fail, and find where we’re best suited has been incredibly rewarding. And now that I have that validation, I’m excited to see what’s next.
Lewis: How has this achievement changed your role as a leader?
Tim: It’s raised the bar. There’s still a lot more to accomplish, and I’m hungry for more. I feel like I’ve been slow jogging in a marathon, and now I want to place in the race. It’s about having real impact and making sure we’re on the map for the long term.
Lewis: Is there anything you would have done differently looking back on this journey?
Tim: Not really. I believe things happened the way they were supposed to. Both my business partner and I have grown personally and professionally through the process. I don’t dwell on regrets; I focus on moving forward and thinking about what’s next.
Lewis: How do you maintain a work-life balance while leading a rapidly growing company?
Tim: Credit goes to my wife. She’s amazing and helps me keep my priorities straight. I’m an older dad with two young kids, so figuring out who I am and what I’m here to do has been important. My wife is my ride-or-die, and she’s been instrumental in helping me maintain balance.
Lewis: Lastly, what’s been the most rewarding aspect of this journey?
Tim: Honestly, I don’t feel like I’m there yet. I’m not celebrating yet. I’m still focused on what’s next and continuing to grow and achieve more.
Conclusion:
My conversation with Tim was not only insightful but also a testament to the power of perseverance, strategic growth, and staying true to one’s vision. Tim’s journey with Trova is far from over, and it’s clear that he’s just getting started. For those aspiring to reach similar heights, his story offers valuable lessons in leadership, innovation, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
