In the world of coaching and personal development, there's a tool that's been transforming the way coaches interact with their clients. It's called CoachAccountable, and behind this innovative platform is a man named John, a programmer with a passion for coaching and a commitment to doing things his own way.

Meet John and CoachAccountable: Jaclyn, in a candid conversation with John, kicks off the discussion by introducing him and his brainchild, CoachAccountable. John's modesty shines through as he describes himself as "just some dude" without any grand credentials or accreditations. He's not your typical tech entrepreneur, and that's exactly what makes his story so intriguing.

CoachAccountable, as John explains, is the result of his deep appreciation for coaching and his desire to solve a problem he felt no one was articulating. But John is not just a visionary; he's a programmer who knows how to make machines automate tasks. With this unique combination of skills and passion, he embarked on a journey to elevate coaching through technology.

The Birth of CoachAccountable: The story of CoachAccountable begins in 2008 when John and his partner ventured into the world of coaching web-based apps, birthing CoachAccountable 1.0. However, this initial launch fell short of expectations, with aesthetics overshadowing functionality. John's key takeaway from this experience was the value of unbiased product feedback, often referred to as the "mom test."

It wasn't until 2012, with the rise of smartphones and growing interest from potential buyers, that CoachAccountable began to find its footing. John's journey took an adventurous turn when he embarked on a yearlong world tour with his wife. During this time, he completely revamped the product, marking the birth of CoachAccountable 2.0. The platform gained traction, and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Response and Organic Growth: When CoachAccountable initially launched, John humorously would love to describe the response as "crickets" due to the initial silence. However, there was a notable exception - Dr. John Kenworthy, an Englishman in Singapore, who became John's first customer. This genuine interest from a complete stranger was immensely validating for John's entrepreneurial spirit.

Dr. Kenworthy's support was just the beginning. Over time, more users signed up, and momentum started to build. John recalls the revenue reaching around $3,000 a month when he and his wife returned to the U.S. after their year abroad. This income could cover his rent, and it was a clear sign that CoachAccountable had genuine potential and traction.

Running a Business His Way: John's approach to running CoachAccountable is refreshing in today's fast-paced startup culture. He didn't set out to build an empire or secure external investments. Instead, he embraced slow, organic growth. His philosophy was simple: take things one step at a time, address concerns as they arise, and prioritize customer relations.

Having a background in tech support, John had the unique ability to intertwine tech support and product development seamlessly. His focus was on customer feedback and creating features that solved real problems. He didn't panic about becoming a "businessman" but instead trusted his daily navigation of challenges and customer care to suffice.

The Freedom of Working Lean: John's unconventional approach to entrepreneurship can be summed up as "live free or die." He found empowerment in his journey, liberating himself from the pressures of explosive growth and external expectations. This allowed him to set his own pace, indulge his curiosity, and enjoy the process of learning something new.

As a programmer, John's technical skills were pivotal. He could develop and scale CoachAccountable on his own, embracing a slow and steady approach without the need for extensive teams or external capital.

From Overwhelm to Empowerment: The transition from feeling overwhelmed to empowered was a significant part of John's journey. While he initially found himself deep in the trenches, handling various challenges, he soon streamlined operations and reduced friction points. He became proactive in addressing issues and saw the rewards of this approach.

John's journey led him back to his creative roots. He described himself as an "artist in his studio, crafting beautiful creations." This newfound focus on the art of creating and refining his product became incredibly rewarding. His work seamlessly integrated into his life, even during vacations.

Rejecting the "Should" Mentality: In the world of entrepreneurship, the word "should" can be destructive. John's philosophy is to detach from preconceived ideas and focus on profitability as a guiding principle. He appreciates the concept of being "Ramen profitable," where survival is guaranteed by living within one's means. John's approach is not driven by external goals or pressures but by the desire to create something of quality.

The Artist vs. Art Teacher Concept: John advocates for an artistic approach at CoachAccountable. Rather than scripted responses, he encourages his team to bring their personal touch, their artistry, to customer support. While he initially played the role of an "art teacher" in cultivating this spirit, he later transitioned back to being an artist to immerse himself in the creative process.

Minimal Marketing, Maximum Impact: CoachAccountable has never been aggressively marketed. Users discover it through search engines or word-of-mouth recommendations. John doesn't focus on aggressive promotion but maintains accessibility and approachability.

What Can CoachAccountable Do for Coaches?: CoachAccountable addresses a common challenge faced by coaches and clients - integrating coaching into daily life. John describes his "motivated mere mortal" phase, where he struggled to apply coaching insights consistently. CoachAccountable provides the tools and reminders to make coaching more tangible and impactful.

It's not just about feel-good sessions; CoachAccountable is about creating lasting change by documenting, planning, and tracking progress. John believes in making coaching better, especially for those who might need an extra push to make it a part of their lives.

John's journey with CoachAccountable is a testament to the power of doing things your own way, embracing slow and organic growth, and focusing on creating something of quality. CoachAccountable is not just a tool; it's a reflection of John's passion for coaching and his commitment to empowering coaches and their clients. In a world filled with high-speed startups and external pressures, John's story serves as a reminder that there's value in taking things one step at a time and trusting in your own journey. CoachAccountable is not just a platform; it's a philosophy, a way of approaching coaching that puts the focus on what truly matters - creating lasting change in people's lives.