How Daniel Felt Bootstrapped A 17-Person Home Maintenance Company

We hear a lot about entrepreneurs bootstrapping their SaaS companies or web-based startups. But, building a business offline is a different story.

For Kura Home founder Daniel Felt, taking the slow and steady approach is much more satisfying. As you will see, Daniel focuses on maintaining financial control over his own company and his 17-person team represents that dedication.

My name is Daniel Felt and I am the founder and CEO of Kura Home, a venture that sprang to life in my garage in 2016 and has since flourished across the greater Minneapolis area. Beyond work, my focus is on family—being a committed husband and father. Outside the office, you’ll find me immersed in nature, camping, hiking, or challenging myself in endurance sports like marathons and Ironman triathlons. I also hold certifications as a private pilot and home inspector. On podcasts, I’ve shared insights on diverse topics from marketing and SEO to the trials of entrepreneurship. Always eager for new adventures and discoveries!

About Kura Home

We have two main branches of our company: air duct cleaning and routine home maintenance.

Air Duct Cleaning: We know that there are dozens of systems and hundreds of companies that provide home air duct cleaning. However, a lot of systems don’t work with homes that were built in the past 20 years due to their size and ducting material used. For that reason, we use the Ram Air cleaning process. This National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) approved cleaning equipment provides results you can see, no matter the size or shape of your home. We have over 1,000 Google Reviews with a 4.9 rating and love customer feedback. It helps us grow our business and train our technicians properly.

Routine Home Maintenance: Kura Home visits your residence once per quarter as part of its routine home maintenance plan to complete every task needed to ensure your home continues to be safe while running efficiently. Our trained service team will strive to maintain your residence with the utmost care as part of your home maintenance service plan. Not only will we take care of your home like it’s our own, we have the qualifications to keep your home safe and running efficiently. Our plans are totally customizable and offer 33+ items on the list to choose from. We offer a free in-home consultation with a lead technician so you can ask questions and get comfortable with our team.

We are most proud of our vision of excellence. We want to provide people with the most thorough-cleaning process every single time we are in a client’s home. We are not the cheapest company out there, but we strive to offer the most comprehensive list of home appliances to be maintained by trained professionals.

How does your business make money?

At Kura Home, our revenue streams come from delivering specialized services in quarterly routine home maintenance and air duct cleaning. We cater to homeowners seeking consistent upkeep and efficient home functioning. Our approach revolves around comprehensive maintenance plans, encompassing thorough inspections, air duct cleaning, and personalized upkeep tasks. We charge for these services through subscription models or one-time fees, ensuring Kura Home generates revenue while providing homeowners the assurance of clean, safe, and optimally functional spaces year-round.

What was your inspiration for starting the business?

My journey with Kura Home began while I worked as a general manager at my brother’s business. It was during this time that the idea of routine home maintenance struck me. Seeing the positive effects of consistent upkeep on my own property  inspired me to envision extending this concept to residential homes. Recognizing the preventive power of regular maintenance in averting larger issues, I was motivated to step beyond conventional business roles. This led me to establish Kura Home, dedicated to redefining home care by providing homes with the consistent attention needed for their optimal upkeep and well-being

How and when did you launch the business?

In 2016, Kura Home began its journey when I made the decision to purchase my first work truck and initiate operations right from my garage. It was a humble yet determined start, driven by a passion for redefining home maintenance. With that single truck and a vision to provide unparalleled service, I embarked on the mission to revolutionize home care. That small beginning in my garage laid the foundation for Kura Home’s commitment to excellence and personalized attention to homeowners’ maintenance needs.

Tell us about your team.

Within Kura Home, our dedicated team consists of 17 professionals, each committed to delivering exceptional home maintenance services. Our diverse office staff operates from multiple locations, seamlessly collaborating between our main office and remote setups, ensuring efficient operations. Supporting this core team, a group of contractors handles crucial backend tasks, expertly managing our vibrant social media presence, engaging our audience with creativity and precision. Driving our service excellence is our devoted team of technicians, numbering among the 17, whose expertise and passion for home care form the backbone of Kura Home’s commitment to surpassing expectations in every aspect of our work.

How are you funded?

I run my business through bootstrapping. It’s all about using my own resources, creativity, and generating revenue to build and expand. Rather than seeking outside help, I believe in being resourceful, innovative, and financially cautious. Starting small and growing steadily, I prioritize independence and financial control, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in all my business operations

How did you acquire your first customers?

My first customer, who initially hired me for dog boarding and training, became the cornerstone of my new business. When I shared my idea with them, they not only endorsed it but also signed up. They’ve been a loyal client ever since, playing a crucial role in the growth and success of my business

Tell us about your primary driver(s) for growth. What worked for you in the beginning? What’s working now?

Consistency, well-defined systems, and streamlined processes have been the driving forces propelling the growth of my business. Emphasizing a consistent approach in our operations has fostered reliability and trust among our clientele, setting a solid foundation for expansion. Implementing robust systems and processes has enabled us to operate efficiently, ensuring tasks are completed with precision and quality each time. This dedication to consistency and the establishment of clear frameworks has not only fueled our growth but also empowered us to scale our services while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.

What marketing strategies have been most effective for you so far?

Our marketing strategy revolves around unwavering consistency in our social media presence. Through regular postings, engaging videos, and insightful podcasts, we’ve maintained a strong, continuous presence in the public eye. By consistently sharing valuable content across various platforms, we’ve aimed to remain at the forefront of our audience’s attention. This approach isn’t just about visibility; it’s about establishing a meaningful connection by delivering relevant and engaging material. Our commitment to this consistent outreach has not only expanded our reach but also fostered a deeper connection with our audience, allowing us to build trust and credibility within our industry.

What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken as a founder/entrepreneur?

As a founder, one of my most significant risks was taking the leap to hire my first technician and invest in our initial work van. It marked a pivotal moment, where the business shifted from concept to reality. It was a leap of faith, as hiring someone and purchasing equipment meant not just financial investment, but also placing trust in my vision and the potential success of the business. This step signified a transition from solo operation to building a team and tangible assets, a move that felt both daunting and exhilarating. It was a defining moment where I committed to the growth and sustainability of the venture, setting the stage for future expansion and laying the groundwork for our journey ahead

How do you handle work-life balance?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a cornerstone of my life, and it begins with prioritizing time with my family. I make it a point to ensure that I’m always home for dinner, valuing this time as an opportunity to reconnect, unwind, and share moments with my loved ones. By setting boundaries and dedicating this part of my day to family, I not only nurture those relationships but also recharge myself. It’s a conscious effort to create a space where work doesn’t encroach on these precious moments, allowing me to be fully present and engaged with my family, ultimately enriching both my personal and professional life.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a founder/entrepreneur?

The most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur is the freedom to move forward with my visions. Having the autonomy to shape ideas into reality is incredibly fulfilling. I get to set the course, define the direction, and witness the direct impact of my decisions. The thrill of innovation and the ability to create something meaningful from scratch fuels my passion each day. Being an entrepreneur allows me to embrace challenges as opportunities, continuously learn, and chart a unique path towards success. There’s an unparalleled sense of accomplishment in seeing dreams take shape and making a difference through my own initiative and dedication.

What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs?

Starting a business is an exhilarating journey, but it’s no secret—it’s tough. There will be moments when the challenges seem insurmountable, and doubts, both your own and others’, might creep in. However, that’s precisely when your determination and resilience are tested. It’s crucial to keep pushing forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Remember, every successful entrepreneur has faced setbacks and doubts. Stay steadfast in your vision and passion, and never let the fear of failure hinder your progress. Embrace those moments as opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. As long as you believe in your idea and keep moving forward, you’re already succeeding. So, when the going gets tough, remember: perseverance is key, and never, ever give up.

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