Q+A with Josh Watson

Catapult: What was the breaking point in which you realized it was your time to move out of Catapult?
Josh: Well my wife and I had our son! The commute to Lakeland was no longer feasible. My business was also ramping up and I was starting to hire part-time employees, so I needed my own office space.

Catapult: How was the transition from working out of a co-working space to your own space?
Josh: Great! I knew that it was time for me to get space of my own. I also knew that design makes a huge difference for my clients, so I made sure to create an office that my clients would enjoy and appreciate.

Catapult: What are some wins for your business since you’ve moved into your new space?
Josh: We were recently featured in Polk Life Magazine! Being closer to Tampa has also allowed our client base to grow.

Catapult: Have you been able to hire any new employees?
Josh: Yes! 2 full time and 2 part time. I also have a few contract/remote workers.

Catapult: Are you seeing an increase in growth each quarter?
Josh: Yes! I’ve doubled revenue in the last 12-18 months. 

Catapult: What are your secrets to customer growth?
Josh: I am always reachable and accessible for clients. I make customer service my number one priority: no walls or barriers, I send direct emails, and constantly make phone calls. This is huge for me because I don’t pay for any advertising; my growth comes from referrals.

Catapult: What goals have changed for you from when you first started to now?
Josh: When I first started, I was just trying to make a living. I spent 2-3 years consistently worrying about making money and when the next paycheck was coming. But thankfully now, I’ve reached that point where I don’t have to worry anymore and I find myself asking, “Now what?”

Catapult: Which specific aspect of Catapult can you look back on and identify as the most helpful to your business?
Josh: I took advantage of everything Catapult had to offer! I found a mentor, took the CO.STARTERS course, and gained a community of entrepreneurs who “fill each other’s knowledge gaps.” It’s where I found enthusiastic collaboration and gained more than I expected!

Catapult: What’s one thing you’ve learned that you wish you knew when you first started?
Josh: Don’t be too eager to hire your first employee! You think they’re making your job easier, but sometimes it’s harder to manage someone else than to manage alone. Be smart about who you hire and when you hire.

Catapult: What would you wish next for your business?
Josh: I want to constantly be improving and innovating our software designs, so be on the lookout for how we can help your business!