I’m Done Building Things That Don’t Actually Matter

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Running your own projects is tough.

You’re figuring things out as you go, second-guessing decisions, and doing the work even when no one’s watching.

That’s why I’m always inspired by people building something from the ground up. Watching others test ideas, stay consistent, and make progress—bit by bit—reminds me it’s possible.

It’s not about overnight wins. It’s about showing up, learning fast, and staying consistent.

So I want to start spotlighting others in some stories.

 🌟Founder Spotlight

This week, I’m highlighting Lauren Gropper—someone who turned frustration over everyday plastic waste into a sustainability empire, reshaping how millions handle household goods.

Lauren saw the disconnect up close: glossy “sustainable” sets that still trashed piles of plastic plates and forks when the cameras stopped.

But the turning point came after a near-fatal moped accident in Thailand during grad school.

Big life events have this strange way of shaking us awake. You don’t want them—but sometimes, you’re almost grateful.

When my mom passed earlier than expected, it pushed me to finally leave a business I honestly hated. I knew I needed to build something that actually mattered.

For Lauren, that meant creating compostable, everyday products made from plants—not petroleum.

She launched Repurpose in 2010 and scaled it through every challenge: faulty products, supply chain chaos, even cups printed upside down before a major launch.

Today, Repurpose is sold in over 20,000 stores and has replaced more than 656 million plastic items.

Lauren built more than a brand—she built a movement around easy, accessible sustainability.

Her story is proof: sometimes the hardest moments point you exactly where you’re meant to go.

You can read the full version of the story here…

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🧰 Tool of the Week

Lauren didn’t just spot a problem—she solved it by building something tangible, at scale. Repurpose grew because she paid attention to what people ignored and made change feel effortless.

That same principle—removing friction to unlock real progress—is exactly why Lindy AI stands out.

Lindy is a no-code AI agent builder that automates the kinds of daily tasks most entrepreneurs waste hours on. Emails, CRM updates, scheduling, follow-ups—it handles it all, across your favorite tools like Gmail, Notion, HubSpot, Zoom, and more.

Here’s what makes it a standout:

• You can build smart, flexible automations in plain English—no coding or tech skills required.

• Agents can work together in “societies” to complete complex workflows.

• Lindy connects to hundreds of platforms, letting your business run more efficiently, without duct-taping tools together.

• You stay in control—review, approve, or let agents operate fully hands-off.

• It’s secure, scalable, and designed for real business use.

I’m thinking of exploring Lindy to offload lead follow-ups, client outreach, and backend busywork.

It’s like hiring a smart assistant—one that never sleeps, drops the ball, or forgets to CC the right person.

If your growth is being bottlenecked by repetitive tasks, Lindy can clear the path—so you can focus on the work that actually moves your mission forward.

Most breakthroughs don’t show up with a roadmap.

They show up when something breaks. When the emails pile up. When the work feels meaningless. When you realize there has to be a better way.

That’s the moment Lauren built Repurpose. It’s the same moment Lindy was made for.

So if you’re buried in tasks, questioning your systems, or itching to work smarter—don’t wait.

Automate something small. Test what frees you up. Follow what feels lighter.

We’re all figuring it out—one smart tool at a time.

Keep building!