Nick Huber’s entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected way, rooted in practical opportunity rather than lofty ambitions of changing the world. In 2011, while most of his college peers were pursuing prestigious internships, Huber responded to a Craigslist ad seeking storage solutions for a fellow student’s belongings. This simple inquiry sparked the founding of Storage Squad, a service designed to efficiently cater to college students’ storage needs at the end of the academic year. The business thrived due to its nimble, customer-oriented approach, positioning itself against traditional storage companies that relied on outdated methods. Huber quickly realized the efficacy of operational efficiency and the importance of understanding customer demands, leading Storage Squad to expand into various urban markets across the United States before ultimately selling it for $1.75 million in 2021.
Huber’s business philosophy diverges sharply from the stereotypical tech start-up model. Rather than seeking sprawling venture capital investment to scale rapidly, he rooted his success in identifiable everyday challenges. His businesses collectively grossed over $50 million annually, a feat achieved through bootstrapping and a focus on solid cash flow from the onset. Huber believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should prioritize financial sustainability and profitability above ambitious, long-term goals, stating that immediate positive cash flow should be the primary objective for any new venture. His disdain for the mainstream start-up culture—often fixated on dramatic disruption—shines through as he encourages others to embrace “sweaty” jobs that entail hard work yet lead to substantial rewards.
As a former student athlete and academic achiever, Huber’s work ethic has been a crucial asset shaping his entrepreneurial endeavors. Early on, he identified the limitations of competitors in surrounding storage businesses, offering innovative solutions and rapid responses to customer needs. Feedback from both customers and peers fueled his drive to excel in customer service and operational effectiveness, leading him to a unique competitive advantage in industries often perceived as mundane or unglamorous. Huber’s philosophy, which he humorously summarizes as “getting rich doing something simple,” highlights a departure from societal expectations that often romanticize groundbreaking entrepreneurship. Instead, he champions the value of practicalities and efficient service delivery.
In addition to Storage Squad, Huber has branched out into various sectors, spotting opportunities in ancillary businesses that support his existing ventures. His focus on recurring revenue streams led him to create auxiliary companies such as BoldSEO, focused on search engine optimization, and RE Cost Seg, which concentrates on maximizing tax benefits for real estate investors. By leveraging his existing knowledge and modifying it to fit emerging needs, Huber further solidified his reputation as a resourceful entrepreneur capable of adapting to market demands while maintaining substantial growth in parallel industries.
Around 2021, Huber also began outsourcing part of his customer service operations to the Philippines, an endeavor that underscored his quick and pragmatic decision-making. Formerly known as Support Shepherd, this company was pivotal for Huber’s customer relations, providing 24/7 support at a fraction of U.S. costs. His acquisition of a stake in Support Shepherd and subsequent rebranding illustrates how he continuously seeks to improve his business models. Although critics may label such moves as detrimental to American jobs, Huber counters that outsourcing has become a standard practice in large corporations and can, in fact, drive better resource allocation and productivity across the board.
Huber adopts a straightforward strategy for identifying and capitalizing on small business opportunities: observe existing services and assess their execution. He actively looks for areas where competitors falter—be it through ineffectual customer service, outdated technology, or poor operational practices. This keen observation enables him to identify gaps in the market, such as private universities with limited storage options for students who may not have easy access to resources. Such insights have allowed Huber to navigate various sectors, successfully building a portfolio across the United States while reinforcing his belief that hard work and resourcefulness are critical to entrepreneurial success.
In conclusion, Nick Huber’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of pragmatic entrepreneurship over idealistic ambitions. Rather than chasing funding for moonshot ideas, he advocates for building wealth through responsive, grounded business practices that directly address everyday needs. By promoting hard work, effective customer service, and the strategic identification of market gaps, Huber has cultivated a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem while maintaining a core belief in the value of mundane labor. With his upcoming book “The Sweaty Startup,” Huber aims to share his insights on creating real, sustainable businesses driven by determination, accessible strategies, and a grounded understanding of market demand.