Most founders obsess over growth, but few think about staying in business long enough to enjoy it.

In this episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with Matt Sidman, founder of TEQWORKS, to uncover the real blueprint behind building a company that not only survives 24 years but also supports your life, your family, and your purpose along the way.

Matt breaks down what actually keeps a business alive: values, consistency, humility, and the discipline to grow slow instead of burning bright and burning out. He shares the full arc of his journey, from launching TEQWORKS with his father, to almost losing the company when the culture shifted, to rebuilding it with intention when he realized it no longer reflected who they were.

We dig into the uncomfortable truths founders rarely talk about: identity, ego, control, fear, reinvention, and the moments that force you to choose between the business you want and the life you want to live. Matt talks openly about how “Never miss a moment” became the philosophy that shaped both his company and his family and why those moments became his real metric for success.

You’ll learn:

✅ What actually keeps a business alive for 24 years

✅ How to reset your company when it drifts off course

✅ Why empathy and heart outperform hustle and ego

✅ How to build a business that supports your life, not consumes it

✅ Why slowing down can be the most strategic move you make

✅ How to become a leader people want to follow for decades

If you want to know what it really takes to last through recessions, reinventions, and the pressure to always grow faster, this conversation is a masterclass in longevity, leadership, and building a business that puts life first.

Connect with Matthew Sidman

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsidman/

Guest Website: https://www.teqworks.com/author/mattteqworks-com/

Get Involved

Random Acts Matter: https://www.randomactsmatter.com/

CASA Kane County: https://casakanecounty.org/

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Timecodes

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:07 Community Impact and Non-Profit Involvement

01:34 Personal Reflections on Community Service

04:46 The Origin of Tech Works

06:53 The Journey of Building a Business

14:06 Balancing Family and Business

20:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business

28:26 Reflecting on Business Growth and Future Plans

29:23 Reflecting on Organizational Values

29:46 Rediscovering Old Strategies

30:58 Implementing Core Values

31:44 Facing Tough Decisions

33:54 Family Discussions and Future Plans

34:41 Personal Motivations and Community Impact

42:06 Embracing Change and Seeking Help

45:34 Client Relationships and Retention

48:57 AI in the Tech Industry

58:37 Investing Outside the Business

01:00:54 Lessons from Fatherhood

01:04:33 Conclusion and Contact Information