Running a successful dev shop with Martin Gratzer

<h3>Subscribe on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/at/podcast/software-engineering-unlocked/id1477527378?l=en" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2wz1OneBIDXpbBYeuyIsJL?si=2I0R0HuaTLK6RT0f7lDIFg" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5zaW1wbGVjYXN0LmNvbS9LMV9tdjBDSg%3D%3D" target="_blank">Google</a>, <a href="https://www.deezer.com/show/465682" target="_blank">Deezer</a>, or via <a href="https://www.software-engineering-unlocked.com/subscribe/" target="_blank">RSS</a>.</h3><p><strong>Links:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://www.michaelagreiler.com/workshops/"><strong>Michaela's Code Review Workshops</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/mgratzer" target="_blank">Martin's Twitter</a></li><li><a href="https://topmind.eu/" target="_blank">Martin's company Topmind</a></li><li><a href="http://opentechtable.com/">Open Tech Table</a></li></ul><p><strong>Show notes:</strong></p><p>Martin and I studied at the same University. And already back then, his main goal was to start his own company. So, with sweet ~25, or something like that he started Topmind - which, BTW, I have been part of at the beginning.</p><p>Since then, many years have passed, and Martin took what was once a one-man-show (after I left), and developed it into a dev shop with 5 full-time engineers and several freelancers.</p><p>Martin explains to me, how over the course of ~15 years, he built a successful company by following his curiosity, passion, and by following a strict niche-down strategy.</p><p>It was really great to connect again with Martin, and he shared tons of helpful advice for others that also want to build their own company. And all of that in a region that's far from being Silicon Valley!   </p><p>I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.</p><p>Best,</p><p>McKayla</p>