3 Things No One Tells You About Your First Year as a Founder

Reflections from Year One at Lane4.io

In founding Lane4.io, I believed success would come from what I knew — my experience in the industry, relationships, and history of getting things done.

I wasn’t entirely wrong. But I wasn’t entirely right either. Year one taught me three things no one prepares you for:

1. Your strengths will carry you less than your weaknesses will define you.
I expected to lead with what I’m good at. But what actually shaped this year were the things I’m not good at — some I knew, many I didn’t. As a founder, your success hinges on your willingness to confront those blind spots, get brutally honest about who you are, and either grow fast or get help. Humility isn’t optional — it’s the job.

2. You’ll become a better version of yourself because you have no choice.
Founding a company forces personal growth in uncomfortable but necessary ways. You get clearer on what matters. You ask for help more often. And in doing so, you meet people—mentors, partners, supporters—who challenge you, teach you, and occasionally carry you. The network you build during this time is one of the biggest surprises and greatest gifts.

3. It’s not a sprint. It’s not even a marathon. It’s a mindset.
The emotional highs and lows are real. But what separates those who keep going is how they handle the middle — the long stretches where progress is slow, feedback is quiet, and doubt creeps in. If you can stay focused and keep showing up during those times, momentum will follow.

Lane4.io is on its way, constantly learning, evolving, and providing unprecedented access to EHR ad inventory. I didn’t have all the answers. I didn’t have the experience or skill. I still don’t. I’m privileged to learn from and lean on some incredible people.

If you’ve been one of those people — thank you. Truly.

Year two starts now.

—
Chad Gottfrid
Founder & CEO, Lane4.io