Founder Story: Jared Rodman of Weave

In the heart of Utah's burgeoning tech scene, Jared Rodman's journey from philosophy graduate to co-founder of a multimillion-dollar company is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation. Alongside his brother Brandon, Jared transformed a simple idea for improving dental office communication into Weave, a revolutionary platform that has redefined customer engagement for small businesses. This is the story of how a bootstrapped startup became a NYSE-listed company, and how Jared Rodman's analytical mind and people-first approach shaped the culture of one of Utah's most successful tech ventures.

From Philosophy to Entrepreneurship

Jared Rodman's path to becoming a tech entrepreneur was anything but conventional. After graduating from the University of Utah with a BA in Philosophy, Rodman found himself at a crossroads. His academic background had honed his analytical and logical thinking skills, but the leap to the tech world was not immediately obvious.

"Philosophy taught me how to break down complex systems and rebuild them in a way that makes sense," Rodman reflected in a 2019 interview. "It's not that different from what we do in software development and business operations."

This unique perspective would prove invaluable as Jared joined forces with his brother Brandon to tackle a problem they had observed in their mother's dental practice: inefficient patient communication.

A Vision Born from Personal Experience

The seed for Weave was planted in 2008 when Brandon Rodman, inspired by their mother's work as a dental hygienist, identified a gap in the market for efficient patient scheduling and communication. Jared, with his analytical background, saw the potential to transform this idea into a scalable business model.

"We started with a simple call center," Jared explained. "But we quickly realized that the real opportunity was in creating a comprehensive communication platform that could integrate with existing dental software."

This realization led to the pivotal decision in 2011 to transition from a service-based model to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. It was a risky move that would require significant investment and a complete overhaul of their business strategy.

The Unconventional Path

The early days of Weave were marked by bootstrapping and relentless iteration. Jared and Brandon worked tirelessly, often pulling all-nighters to develop their product while managing the day-to-day operations of their fledgling business.

"There were times when we weren't sure if we'd make payroll," Jared admitted. "But we believed in what we were building, and we knew that if we could just get it in front of the right people, it would take off."

Their persistence paid off in 2014 when Weave was accepted into Y Combinator, the prestigious startup accelerator that has launched companies like Airbnb and Dropbox. This marked a turning point for the company, providing not just funding but also invaluable mentorship and connections.

Building the Right Team

As Weave began to grow, Jared took on the role of Chief Operating Officer, focusing on building the operational infrastructure that would support the company's rapid expansion. His philosophy background proved unexpectedly useful in this role.

"Understanding human nature and motivation is crucial when you're scaling a team," Jared noted. "It's not just about processes and systems; it's about creating an environment where people can do their best work."

Under Jared's leadership, Weave developed a reputation for its strong company culture. The company consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in Utah, with employees citing the supportive environment and opportunities for growth as key factors.

The Fundraising Journey

Weave's journey from a bootstrapped startup to a venture-backed company was not without its challenges. After Y Combinator, the company went through several rounds of funding, each presenting its own set of hurdles.

2015: Raised $5 million in Series A funding
2017: Secured $17 million in Series B
2019: Closed a $70 million Series C round, valuing the company at $970 million

Jared played a crucial role in these fundraising efforts, leveraging his analytical skills to present a compelling case to investors. "It's about telling a story with data," he explained. "You need to show not just where you are, but where you're going and why your path is the right one."

Defining Moments

The Pivot to SaaS (2011)

On a rainy Tuesday in September 2011, Jared and Brandon sat in their small Lehi office, poring over customer feedback and financial projections. The decision to pivot from a call center model to a SaaS platform was made that day, setting the course for Weave's future success.

"It was terrifying," Jared recalled. "We were essentially betting the company on this move. But we knew it was the right thing to do."

Y Combinator Acceptance (January 2014)

The Rodman brothers received the email from Y Combinator on a snowy morning in Utah. Their acceptance into the program meant relocating to Silicon Valley for three months, leaving behind their families and the comfort of their home state.

"That was the moment we knew we were onto something big," Jared said. "It validated everything we had been working towards."

NYSE Listing (November 11, 2021)

Weave went public on the New York Stock Exchange, a milestone that few startups achieve. While this was a moment of triumph, it also marked a significant transition for the company and its founders.

"Seeing our company symbol on the NYSE was surreal," Jared reflected. "It was the culmination of years of hard work, but also the beginning of a new chapter."

Innovation Philosophy

Jared's approach to innovation at Weave has always been rooted in a deep understanding of customer needs:

"We're not just building software; we're solving real problems for small businesses. Every feature, every update is driven by what will make our customers' lives easier."

This customer-centric approach has been a key differentiator for Weave in a crowded market. Jared emphasized the importance of continuous feedback:

"We have a saying at Weave: 'Be the customer.' It means understanding their challenges so deeply that you can anticipate their needs before they even articulate them."

On team building, Jared's philosophy is equally clear:

"Hire for culture fit first, skills second. We can teach skills, but we can't teach passion and alignment with our values."

Industry Impact

Weave's impact on the small business communication landscape has been significant:

Before Weave, only 15% of dental practices used integrated communication platforms. By 2022, that number had risen to over 60%.
The company's success sparked a wave of investment in vertical SaaS solutions, with venture capital funding in the space increasing by 300% between 2015 and 2020.
Weave's emphasis on customer experience set new standards in the industry, with competitors scrambling to match their level of integration and ease of use.

Personal Growth Lessons

Throughout his journey with Weave, Jared has learned valuable lessons about leadership and personal growth:

Embrace discomfort: "Growth happens when you're uncomfortable. Don't shy away from challenges; they're opportunities to learn and improve."
Balance vision with execution: "As a leader, you need to be able to see the big picture while also diving into the details when necessary. It's a delicate balance, but crucial for success."
Cultivate emotional intelligence: "Understanding and managing your own emotions, as well as those of your team, is just as important as any technical skill in building a successful company."

Legacy and Future Vision

As Weave continues to evolve, Jared Rodman's influence on the company and the broader tech ecosystem in Utah remains significant. His commitment to building a people-first culture has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs in the region.

Looking to the future, Jared sees Weave expanding beyond its initial focus on healthcare practices:

"Our vision is to be the central hub for all customer interactions for small businesses, regardless of industry. We're just scratching the surface of what's possible."

Personally, Jared is focused on mentoring young entrepreneurs and giving back to the Utah tech community that supported Weave in its early days.

"Success comes with responsibility," he notes. "I want to help create opportunities for others, just as we were given opportunities along the way."

Closing Thoughts

Jared Rodman's journey from philosophy graduate to co-founder of a NYSE-listed company is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a people-first approach to business. His story demonstrates that success in the tech world isn't just about coding skills or business acumen; it's about understanding human needs and building solutions that truly make a difference.

As Weave continues to grow and evolve, Jared's legacy serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere. His journey reminds us that with vision, determination, and a willingness to adapt, it's possible to transform a simple idea into a company that changes an entire industry.

In Jared's own words:

"Entrepreneurship is about more than building a successful company. It's about creating value, solving problems, and improving lives. If you stay true to that mission, success will follow."